UK Shelves Chagos Islands Legislation After US Withdraws Support
The UK government has been compelled to shelve its proposed legislation to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following the United States' withdrawal of support for the agreement.
On Friday, UK government officials confirmed that the time to pass the legislation within the current parliamentary session, which is due to end in the coming weeks, has expired.
This latest setback in the UK’s efforts to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius—home to the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia—reflects growing tensions after former US President Donald Trump’s strong criticism of Labour leader Keir Starmer’s handling of the Iran conflict.
Trump had previously criticized the plan, which had been supported by the US State Department, warning Starmer that he was
“making a big mistake”by agreeing to hand sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius in exchange for continued UK and US use of the airbase.
However, earlier in February, Trump described the agreement as the
“best”deal the UK Prime Minister could secure under the circumstances. He also endorsed the handover during Starmer’s visit to the White House last year.
Under the terms of the agreement, the UK would relinquish sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing Diego Garcia—the largest island of the archipelago—for 99 years to maintain the joint military base.
Despite this, the US had not formally exchanged letters to amend the 1966 British-American treaty concerning the islands, a factor believed to have contributed to the UK’s decision to drop the bill.
Consequently, a new Chagos bill is not expected to be included in the King’s Speech in May, which outlines the government’s agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Context of US-UK Relations and Military Base Usage
In February, reported that tensions arose because the UK would not permit its airbases to be used for a pre-emptive US strike on Iran.
Last month, concerns escalated after warnings were issued about the safety of British lives following Starmer’s authorization for the US to conduct further strikes from British bases.
At that time, Hamish Falconer, a Foreign Office minister and former diplomat, informed MPs that discussions with American counterparts had been paused and that the parliamentary process related to the treaty was
“on hold.”
Starmer has permitted US forces to use UK bases, including Diego Garcia, solely for defensive missions against Iran. This month, he faced increased pressure to restrict access after Trump threatened that
“a whole civilisation”would perish if Iran ignored his demands, though a ceasefire was subsequently agreed.
In an effort to clarify Falconer’s remarks, the Foreign Office stated there was no pause or fixed deadline and that timing updates would be provided
“in the usual way.”
The government has been approached for further comment.
