A geopolitical firestorm is brewing as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed “surrender” of the Chagos Islands has drawn sharp condemnation at home—even as former U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled supportfor the controversial deal. The UK’s plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining military interests via a lease agreement, is being branded by critics as a costly and dangerous capitulation.
Labour is now under intense pressure for refusing to fully disclose the financial and strategic details of the arrangement. With questions piling up around the influence of China, rising taxpayer costs, and the future of the Diego Garcia military base, this deal is fast becoming one of the most politically charged issues of Starmer’s leadership.
What’s the Chagos Islands Deal?
The Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, has been under British control since the 1960s. Its strategic location has made it invaluable to Western powers—particularly the United States, which operates a major military base on Diego Garcia.
Now, under Starmer’s proposed agreement:
- The UK would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.
- In exchange, Britain and the U.S. would retain use of Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease.
- Mauritius would reportedly receive £90 million annually, adjusted for inflation.
- Over time, this could amount to a £9 billion minimum cost, possibly rising to £50 billion or more.
While the Labour government insists this is about complying with international law and improving diplomatic relations, critics say it’s a financial and strategic blunder.
Trump’s Surprising Approval
During a recent meeting with Starmer, Donald Trump gave a green light to the proposed lease, calling it a potentially “very strong deal.” Trump noted the importance of securing a long-term military presence on Diego Garcia and seemed reassured by the idea of a powerful 140-year agreement that would guarantee continued U.S. access.
“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease… I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country,” Trump said.
His comments have drawn both praise and backlash. Supporters argue that Trump’s pragmatic approach ensures continued Western presence in a key global location. Critics, however, accuse him of being too willing to endorse a deal that cedes British territory and opens the door to greater Chinese influence in the region.
Fears Over Chinese Influence
One of the most explosive concerns around the deal is the deepening relationship between Mauritius and China. Analysts warn that transferring sovereignty could inadvertently strengthen Beijing’s grip in the Indian Ocean.
China has already been expanding its economic and military presence across Asia and Africa through initiatives like the Belt and Road. If Mauritius decides to allow more Chinese investment—or worse, access to Diego Garcia—it could undermine U.S. and UK strategic interests for generations.
Former ministers and security experts are warning that once Britain loses sovereignty, its control is effectively gone, no matter what lease terms are agreed upon.
Labour Accused of ‘Cover-Up’
Adding fuel to the fire, the Labour government has refused to disclose full financial and legal details of the deal. In Parliament, Labour MPs voted down a motion led by Kemi Badenoch, which called for transparency on costs, departmental budgets, and the role of the Attorney General.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel slammed the move:
“Not only are they surrendering our own territory, but they are also asking the British public to fork out for the indignity.”
Critics say the refusal to release information is tantamount to a cover-up, with serious implications for public trust and democratic accountability.
