Trump considers blocking Starmer’s Chagos Islands agreement after UK-Mauritius deal. Concerns highlight Diego Garcia’s strategic importance.
A US/UK airbase sits on Diego Garcia. People fear Chinese meddling should the UK lose control. Biden supported a deal to give away the islands, but Trump now takes advice from UK right-wingers who want him to reject the current agreement.
The White House denies any new deal with Trump. A White House person says they are reviewing the agreement, worrying about the impact on Diego Garcia. Rubio and Lammy will meet to discuss this, as Rubio is concerned about Chinese influence.
Starmer might also meet Trump soon. The deal might be worse than last year’s original version, as Mauritius has a new prime minister now. He thinks the old offer isn’t good enough for them.
Now, the UK might pay £18 billion to lease Diego Garcia. The original cost was £9 billion, and the lease would last 99 years, with no automatic renewal. The UK promised to share the costs but might later not share costs information.
Ramgoolam stated that the UK and Mauritius will sign an agreement. However, Britain needs Trump’s approval first. The UK PM’s spokesman discussed the treaty, stating details will be given to Parliament later on, while avoiding cost details questions.
The spokesman didn’t know if Trump would accept the deal. He stated that the US government deserves a chance to review, and they are giving them that chance currently.
