UK Pauses Chagos Islands Deal After Trump Opposition

The United Kingdom has paused annual payments of at least £120 million to Mauritius and is reviewing a treaty to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. The decision follows a meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly between Andy Burnham and U.S. President Donald Trump, who characterized the agreement as a "terrible deal" and "an act of great stupidity."

The treaty, signed in May 2025, would have ceded sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to maintain a 99-year lease of the strategic joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. While Prime Minister Burnham initially reaffirmed his commitment to the transfer during calls with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, the UK government has since shifted its position. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the deal cannot proceed without American support to safeguard the base's long-term security capabilities.

President Trump urged Burnham to reconsider the arrangement, citing the base's critical role in strategic operations, including the refueling of bombers. Burnham responded affirmatively to the suggestion and stated he will work toward a resolution that protects the interests of both the UK and the US. The deal has faced additional pressure from Conservative politicians who argue the move could encourage territorial claims elsewhere, such as Argentina's claims to the Falkland Islands. Legislation to ratify the treaty had already expired in May, and the UK is now seeking a solution that satisfies all three parties.