The UK government has confirmed there is “no pause” on the Chagos Islands deal, despite earlier remarks suggesting a possible delay in legislation to transfer sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius. The clarification comes amid political pressure from the United States and rising domestic criticism over the future of the strategically vital islands.
A government source, cited by the BBC, said the process remains on track and that “there is no pause, we have never set a deadline, and timings will be announced in the usual way.” The statement follows confusion after comments made in Parliament hinted at a temporary halt.
What Is the Chagos Islands Deal?
Under the proposed UK Mauritius agreement, Britain will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. However, the UK will lease back Diego Garcia, home to a critical UK-US military base, for 99 years.
Financial Terms of the Agreement:
£165 million per year for the first three years
£120 million annually from years four to 13
Payments linked to inflation thereafter
Average annual cost: approximately £101 million
The agreement is being formalized through the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, which is currently in its final stages in the House of Lords.
Why This Deal Matters Now
The Chagos Islands deal has gained international attention due to geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean region. The base plays a key role in global security operations and has long been a joint UK-US defense facility.
The issue intensified after former US President Donald Trump publicly urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer not to “give away Diego Garcia.” Posting on Truth Social, Trump described the deal as “a blight on our great ally” and argued the land should not be transferred.
His comments came despite earlier support from the US State Department, which had backed the UK government’s plan.
Political Divide in the UK
The Chagos Islands deal has sparked fierce debate in Westminster. Critics argue that surrendering sovereignty over a territory under British control for nearly 200 years could expose the region to foreign interference.
Opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch strongly opposed the agreement, stating, “We should not be paying to surrender British territory to Mauritius.”
Supporters of the deal, however, argue that it aligns with international legal rulings and improves diplomatic ties with Mauritius while maintaining long-term military access to Diego Garcia.
Expert Perspectives and Strategic Implications
Foreign policy analysts suggest that the agreement reflects a broader shift in Britain’s post-Brexit global positioning. By resolving a long-standing sovereignty dispute, the UK may strengthen its standing in international courts and multilateral forums.
Security experts emphasize that the 99-year lease ensures continued Western military presence in a strategically sensitive region amid growing influence from China and Russia.
Key Takeaways:
No official pause on the Chagos Islands deal
Sovereignty transfer to Mauritius moving forward
Diego Garcia military base secured under long-term lease
Political opposition remains strong
Geopolitical implications extend beyond UK-Mauritius relations
The Chagos Islands deal remains a politically sensitive and strategically significant development. Despite calls for reconsideration, the UK government appears committed to finalizing the agreement with Mauritius.
As global power dynamics shift and regional security concerns grow, the outcome of this deal could shape Britain’s foreign policy direction and its alliance with the United States for decades to come.
