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Donald Trump has officially approved Sir Keir Starmer’s agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, according to Downing Street.
The UK and Mauritius are now in the final stages of completing the deal.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated, “We are now working with the Mauritian government to finalise the deal and sign the treaty.”
A government source added, “It’s now between us and the Mauritian government to finalise the agreement following discussions with the US. We have had those discussions, and now we are finalising with the Mauritians.”
This development follows Mr. Trump’s strong indication of support for the deal when he met with Sir Keir at the White House in February, despite initial skepticism.
At the time, Trump remarked, “I have a feeling it is going to work out very well. I think we will be inclined to go along with your country.”
Critics argue that the deal—reportedly costing up to £18 billion—unnecessarily leases back a strategically vital airbase that the UK already controls.
The plan follows a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) stating that the archipelago belongs to Mauritius, though critics note that the ruling is not legally binding for the UK.
However, UK officials have assured the White House that the judgment introduced too much legal uncertainty regarding the Diego Garcia airbase, and that the agreement would not impose any costs on US taxpayers.
The Chagos Islands are a key component of UK-US security strategy, particularly due to the Diego Garcia airbase’s strategic significance in the Indian Ocean.
As part of the agreement, the UK and US believe they have secured continued use of the airbase for at least 99 years, though they have not disclosed the financial terms involved.
The approval is likely to be a relief for Prime Minister Starmer as he prepares for potentially difficult announcements from Mr. Trump later this week.
