UK Prime Minister Pledges Progress on Chagos Islands Deal Ahead of Trump Meeting

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated his determination to advance a treaty that would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move that has faced opposition from the Trump administration. This commitment comes ahead of a scheduled bilateral meeting between Burnham and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The government's plan involves handing over sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius while securing a long-term lease for the Diego Garcia military base. This deal, prompted by a ruling from the International Court of Justice, has been on hold since April due to concerns raised by the White House and Conservative opposition regarding security and potential costs, which some estimates place as high as £35 billion over a century.

Burnham spoke with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, with Downing Street stating that the Prime Minister "underlined his commitment" to working with Mauritius and the U.S. to ensure the continued operation of the Diego Garcia base. A readout from the Mauritian Prime Minister's office indicated a stronger pledge, stating that the British Prime Minister "reiterated his commitment to continue doing everything possible, alongside the United States, to secure the treaty's ratification, as the United Kingdom recognizes the need to guarantee the use of the Diego Garcia military base for its security."

The proposed treaty would see Mauritius assume sovereignty, while the Diego Garcia base would be leased back for 99 years, with an option for extension. However, the deal has drawn criticism, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch questioning the prioritization of this handover over domestic issues like welfare costs or defense funding.

When asked about the call, Burnham told reporters that the UK "remain determined to secure the long-term operation of the base, which is crucial to our security and that of our allies." He assured that he would "work towards a resolution."

A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed the call, noting that the leaders discussed shared objectives such as tackling climate change, combating illicit finance, and boosting growth. The spokesperson added that the Prime Minister "underlined his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States on a way forward that secures the operation of the base and protects UK national security."

The two leaders agreed to maintain close contact, with the hope that the UK Foreign Secretary and Mauritian Foreign Minister would meet during the UN General Assembly to further strengthen bilateral relations.