UK Government Confirms Chagos Islands Transfer Proceeding Despite Trump's Criticism
The UK government has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with plans to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite former US President Donald Trump's recent criticism of the arrangement. Downing Street insists the United States continues to support the agreement, which includes provisions for the continued operation of the strategically important Diego Garcia military base.
Trump's Unexpected Intervention
Donald Trump unexpectedly criticised the planned transfer during a series of social media posts, calling it an "act of great stupidity" and suggesting it demonstrated "total weakness" by the United Kingdom. The former president made these remarks while discussing his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, drawing parallels between the two territorial situations.
Trump specifically wrote: "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' Nato Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER." He further suggested that China and Russia would view the transfer as a sign of weakness.
UK Government's Firm Response
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official spokesperson responded firmly to Trump's comments, stating: "Our position remains unchanged. This deal secures the operations of the joint US-UK base for generations. It has robust provisions for keeping its unique capabilities intact and our adversaries out. It has been publicly welcomed by the US."
The spokesperson emphasised the strategic importance of the base, noting: "As the world grows more dangerous, so too does the importance of the base for our national security. It's one of the most significant contributions to the UK and US intelligence and security relationship, and almost every operation from the base is in partnership with the US."
Political Reactions and Opposition
Trump's comments have provided ammunition for Conservative and Reform UK critics of the transfer agreement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated: "Paying to surrender the Chagos islands is not just an act of stupidity but of complete self sabotage. I've been clear, and unfortunately on this issue President Trump is right."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed Trump's intervention, saying: "Thank goodness Trump has vetoed the surrender of the Chagos Islands." However, government ministers have dismissed suggestions that Trump's comments would affect the implementation of the agreement.
The Transfer Agreement Details
The UK has signed a £3.4 billion agreement to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, though the deal faces significant opposition in the House of Lords. Under the terms of the arrangement, Britain will transfer control of the islands to Mauritius while leasing the largest island, Diego Garcia, for 99 years to continue operating the joint US-UK military base there.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones explained: "We've done a deal with the Mauritian government, we've legislated for the process, we've agreed the terms of the treaty, which has been signed. This is the way in which to secure that military base for the next 100 years."
Legal and Strategic Context
Downing Street has previously described the transfer as a "legal necessity," noting that a United Nations court gave an advisory opinion in 2021 stating that the UK did not have rightful sovereignty over the archipelago. The agreement has been backed by the "five eyes" intelligence-sharing partnership, which includes the United Kingdom and United States.
At the time of the agreement's announcement in May 2025, then-US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed it as "historic," stating: "This is a critical asset for regional and global security. President Trump expressed his support for this monumental achievement during his meeting with prime minister Starmer at the White House."
Geopolitical Concerns
Critics of the handover have expressed concerns that the deal could provide China with increased influence in the region due to Mauritius's close relations with Beijing. Trump has frequently cited fears of Chinese influence as justification for his interest in acquiring Greenland.
Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden, who is close to Prime Minister Starmer, suggested Trump's comments were more about Greenland than the Chagos Islands, stating: "I don't really believe this is about Chagos, I think it's about Greenland, and the best way to resolve that is through dialogue with the Danish government."
The UK government maintains that the transfer agreement represents the most effective way to ensure the long-term security and operation of the Diego Garcia military base while addressing historical sovereignty issues through diplomatic channels.
