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Starmer and Trump Confirm Chagos Islands Military Base Deal

2/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have agreed to keep the UK-US military base on the Chagos Islands, as confirmed by Downing Street.
This agreement follows Trump's criticism of the UK's £35 billion handover deal to Mauritius, which he previously called "stupid."
The UK government maintains the deal's strategic importance despite concerns about its cost and legal obligations.
Former ambassador Lord Mandelson expressed skepticism, but the Prime Minister's spokesman emphasized the agreement's necessity to avoid operational impacts on the base.

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Story summary

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have agreed to keep the UK-US military base on the Chagos Islands, as confirmed by Downing Street.
This agreement follows Trump's criticism of the UK's £35 billion handover deal to Mauritius, which he previously called "stupid."
The UK government maintains the deal's strategic importance despite concerns about its cost and legal obligations.
Former ambassador Lord Mandelson expressed skepticism, but the Prime Minister's spokesman emphasized the agreement's necessity to avoid operational impacts on the base.