Delay in sealing the £9 billion agreement
Downing Street has acknowledged that Donald Trump could potentially derail Sir Keir Starmer's deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The Prime Minister had aimed to finalize the £9 billion agreement before the president-elect's return to the White House next week.
US approval sought for the deal
British officials are now delaying the formal announcement of the deal in order to seek the explicit approval of the incoming US administration. While Trump cannot formally veto the deal, the UK values Washington's position and wants the new administration on board.
Controversy surrounding the deal
The Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, which houses a joint military facility of the UK and US, have been at the heart of a longstanding dispute. The proposed deal, which includes handing over the islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the Diego Garcia military base for 99 years, has faced criticism.
Outrage and concerns from UK officials
The agreement has sparked outrage in the UK, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticizing the move as potentially disastrous and costly for taxpayers. There are concerns that surrendering British territory in Chagos could have strategic implications, including boosting Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.
Starmer's response to the criticism
Sir Keir Starmer defended the negotiations, stating that they were initiated under the previous government due to the threat to the long-term operation of the vital military base on Diego Garcia.
