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UK-US Talks on Defense Amid Chagos Islands Controversy

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Britain’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 20, 2026 to discuss defense and security issues.
The meeting occurs amid renewed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
Last year Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining Diego Garcia for U.S. operations.

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Story summary

Britain’s Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on February 20, 2026 to discuss defense and security issues.
The meeting occurs amid renewed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
Last year Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining Diego Garcia for U.S. operations.