UK pauses Chagos Islands deal amid US concerns but clarification follows

Politics

UK pauses Chagos Islands deal amid US concerns but clarification follows

1 hour ago

News sources:

BBC

REUTERS

INDIATIMES

UK pauses Chagos Islands deal amid US concerns but clarification follows

Credited from: BBC

UK pauses Chagos Islands deal ratification amid US criticism
President Trump criticized the deal, calling it a "big mistake"
Foreign Office Minister stated discussions with US are ongoing

The UK government has "paused" the ratification of a treaty to cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following renewed criticism from US President Donald Trump. The deal would allow the UK to keep control of the strategically important Diego Garcia base through a 99-year lease, while financially supporting the sovereignty transfer with an average of £101 million annually, according to BBC and Reuters.

However, a later statement from a government spokesperson contradicted the initial claim, asserting, "There is no pause. We are continuing discussions with the US." This clarification indicates the UK's commitment to proceed with the parliamentary process, as confirmed by both India Times and Reuters.

Despite the fixative response to Trump's remarks, the debate surrounding the bill's ratification continues in Parliament, highlighting ongoing tensions and the UK's effort to balance its diplomatic relations with the US and its commitments to Mauritius, according to BBC and India Times.