Trump Criticizes Labour's Chagos Islands Deal in Meeting with Burnham

Donald Trump has reiterated his criticism of a deal concerning the Chagos Islands, characterizing it as a "terrible deal" during his initial meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The U.S. President expressed further disapproval of the UK government's agreement to cede the strategically important archipelago to Mauritius.

The discussion took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Despite his reservations about the Chagos Islands agreement, Trump reportedly maintained a warm demeanor towards Burnham, whom he described as a "natural business person."

Trump also commented on Britain's "tremendous potential" and suggested the U.S.-UK relationship has improved following the departure of Keir Starmer from Downing Street. Burnham stated that he and Trump had "established a good connection in our early discussions and we’ve taken that further today," emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic relationship.

The agreement, struck under the previous Labour administration led by Keir Starmer, involves Britain handing over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Britain would then lease back the UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, for 99 years. The reported cost to Britain is an average of £101 million annually for 99 years, totaling approximately £3.4 billion. However, critics suggest the actual cost could reach £35 billion and have raised concerns about transferring control of the Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius, which is viewed as an ally of China.

Labour's agreement is currently in a state of uncertainty, partly due to the withdrawal of American support. Trump had previously shifted his stance on the handover amid a dispute with Starmer earlier in the year. The ratification of the agreement by Parliament has since been halted.

Burnham's meeting with Trump followed previous critical remarks made by the Prime Minister about the U.S. President, including a statement that UK politicians should be "ashamed" of dealing with him. In June, Trump had characterized Burnham as "extremely liberal" and expressed limited knowledge of his role, referring to him as "the mayor of a town."

Addressing his past criticisms ahead of the meeting, Burnham acknowledged that politicians often make statements throughout their careers but stressed the importance of focusing on the present. He recalled telling Trump during their first phone call, "Mr. President, Manchester isn't some town; this is Manchester," adding that it was appropriate to "have a laugh about it, and move beyond it."

In 2019, Burnham had expressed concerns that a state visit by Trump would be "deeply unsettling" for many communities in Britain and stated he would not welcome such a visit to Manchester, predicting it would be "highly divisive."

Further criticism came in 2021, on the day of the U.S. Capitol attack, when Burnham tweeted that any UK politician who gave Trump "the time of day should be ashamed right now."

Burnham spoke with Trump by phone on his first day as Prime Minister and extended an invitation for the U.S. President to visit Manchester for the G20 summit the following year.