The UK government has defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over its handling.
In a post on social media, Trump labelled the move as an 'act of great stupidity', months after he and senior US officials endorsed it. He later confirmed he was against the deal.
The UK government stated it would never compromise on our national security, while the prime minister's official spokesperson insisted the US still supports the move.
The agreement worth £3.4bn ($4.6bn) allows the UK to retain control of the military base on Diego Garcia.
Trump criticized the UK's plan in a Truth Social post, stating that it's shocking for an ally to give up a vital military base for no reason. He expressed concern about the implications for US national security, mentioning that countries like China and Russia noticed the UK government's actions.
In responses, UK officials emphasized that allies, including those in the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, support the agreement, which is crucial for the long-term operations of the military facility.
Despite Trump’s remarks, British officials confirmed that the deal will proceed as planned through Parliament. The arrangement followed historical disputes regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which were separated from Mauritius during its colonial era.
This agreement also includes a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia for an average of £101m a year. Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has reiterated the necessity of this deal for national security purposes.
Trump's criticism has added political pressure domestically, with various UK politicians responding variably, some supporting the deal while others demand a reconsideration based on Trump's comments.
