Starmer Halts Chagos Islands Bill as US Deal Faces Backlash
Due to US backlash and warnings of a treaty breach, Sir Keir Starmer has withdrawn the Chagos Islands bill. The legislation, which aimed to transfer the archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia Military Base, faced criticism from Donald Trump. Concerns arose because the proposed deal potentially violated a 1966 UK-US treaty and threatened the base’s operation. The government has criticized the move and maintains its commitment to the deal, citing its importance for national security.