UK Government Shelves Chagos Islands Legislation Following US Withdrawal of Support
The UK government has been compelled to shelve its legislation aimed at transferring the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after the United States dropped its support for the agreement. Officials have acknowledged that time has run out to pass the law within the current parliamentary session, which concludes in the coming weeks.
Strategic Military Asset at Stake
This setback in the UK's push to hand over the Chagos Islands, which hosts the joint US-UK Diego Garcia military base, highlights worsening US-UK relations. The tension has been exacerbated by former US President Donald Trump's heavy criticism of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his handling of the Iran conflict. A government spokesperson emphasized, "Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is, and will continue to be, our priority – it is the entire reason for the deal." The spokesperson added that while the government continues to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the base's future, it would only proceed with US support.
Deal Details and US Opposition
Under the proposed deal, Britain planned to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease the largest island, Diego Garcia, for 99 years to continue operating the joint military base. However, the US did not formally exchange letters to amend a 1966 British-American treaty on the islands, which forced the UK to drop its bill. Trump had previously criticized the plan, telling Starmer he was "making a big mistake" by handing sovereignty to Mauritius in exchange for base access, despite earlier endorsing it as the "best" deal possible.
Political Fallout and Legal Context
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, stated on social media that the Labour government's delay in dropping the bill is "another damning indictment of a prime minister, who fought to hand over British sovereign territory and pay £35bn to use a crucial military base which was already ours." Reports indicate Trump changed his mind due to the UK's refusal to permit its airbases for a pre-emptive US strike on Iran. Last month, Iran struck the joint base after warnings, with Starmer authorizing US defensive missions from UK bases. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer noted discussions with US counterparts were paused, and the treaty process would resume at an appropriate time.
Historical Background and Future Outlook
The Chagos Islands were designated as British Indian Ocean Territory in 1965 and detached from Mauritius, which gained independence in 1968. Thousands of Chagos islanders were forcibly evicted and have since pursued legal claims for compensation in British courts. A new Chagos bill is not expected in the king's speech in May, where the government's agenda is revealed. The Foreign Office clarified there is no set deadline, with timings to be announced "in the usual way." This development underscores ongoing diplomatic challenges and the complex interplay of sovereignty, military strategy, and international relations.
