Trump to approve Chagos surrender deal after Starmer phone call | UK | News
Donald Trump looks set to back Sir Keir Starmer’s handover of the Chagos Islands after new security commitments from Downing Street; This move will cause consternation among Chagossians who want to remain British and much of the UK public and defense establishment.
The US president reportedly changed his tune following new security measures proposed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the military facility, as well as constant pressure from British diplomats and American intelligence officials.
Britain’s deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius requires White House approval because the region is home to the joint UK-US defense facility Diego Garcia.
The arrangement would see Britain hand over the islands and lease back its military base over 99 years at an estimated cost of £35bn.
Starmer argues that failure to legally transfer sovereignty from Britain to Mauritius would expose the base’s operations to courtroom clashes; But critics describe relinquishing the British Overseas Territory as “surrender” and warn that the facility could come under Beijing’s influence through Mauritius’ links to China.
Initial approval revoked
Trump initially accepted Labour’s rationale after taking office last year and signaled Starmer was likely to be confirmed during his inaugural trip to Washington.
The president abandoned that position last month following clashes with NATO partners over the proposed annexation of Greenland, writing on Truth Social on January 20 that Britain was “planning to donate.” […] Site of a vital US Military Base in Mauritius, […] WITHOUT ANY REASON.”
Trump added: “Britain’s donation of extremely important territory is a HUGE act of stupidity.”
The sudden reversal triggered alarm in Whitehall, prompting British officials to launch a diplomatic offensive aimed at winning back Trump’s support.
While national security advisor Jonathan Powell led the talks attended by the State Department, 10 Downing Street, the US State Department, the White House and American intelligence services, Defense Secretary John Healey recently held talks with his counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington.
A phone call took place between Starmer and Trump on Tuesday evening; where they both praised the “strategic importance” of Diego Garcia and agreed to “continue to work closely to ensure the future operation of the base”, according to a Downing Street spokesman.
Trump is expected to give final approval at the second meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, but sources emphasized that the deal is not approved until the president gives verbal approval.
Timeline remains fluid
Trump’s history includes changing positions or prolonging negotiations at key moments; Downing Street sources admit the timing of the call could change.
The negotiations saw the Trump administration obtain additional security assurances designed to protect the base from Chinese interference, and those assurances were aimed at clearing up detentions among US officials, particularly those within Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s circle.
Rubio has previously opposed the deal and instructed his department’s legal team to review Britain’s reasoning.
The additional security provisions provide Trump with an “out” that allows him to change course without appearing weak vis-à-vis China’s administration and its hawks in Congress.
It remains unclear whether any changes would require Mauritius’ consent after the country ratified the current agreement after lengthy negotiations last year; but U.S. officials recently traveled to Mauritius and may have used government discussions there to secure greater security commitments.
