Burnham-Trump Talks Highlight U.S. Opposition to UK-Mauritius Chagos Deal

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham met U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussion focused on the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease on the U.S.–British base on Diego Garcia. Trump called the arrangement “a terrible deal” and “ridiculous,” and Burnham said he was “determined to find a resolution.”

ReutersDonald Trump launches fresh attack on Labour's 'terrible deal' to surrender Chagos Islands in first meeting with Andy Burnham The GuardianThe IndependentThe Independent

The Chagos archipelago, officially the British Indian Ocean Territory, has been under British control for more than two centuries. In 2025 the Labour government under Keir Starmer negotiated a treaty with Mauritius that would cede sovereignty but keep the Diego Garcia base under a long-term lease. Parliamentary approval is pending after U.S. opposition.

Reuters

• British estimates put lease payments at £101 million per year, about £3.4 billion over 99 years.

Reuters

• Critics argue the true cost could reach £35 billion, saying the lease undervalues security commitments.

The Guardian

• “We remain determined to secure the long-term operation of the base, which is crucial to our security and that of our allies.” — Andy Burnham

The Independent

• Trump said the United Kingdom “is more up” than under the previous prime minister, praised Burnham as a “natural businessperson,” and reiterated that the hand-over is “a big mistake.”

The Guardian

The £101 million annual lease estimate contrasts with critics’ £35 billion projection. No independent audit has reconciled these figures, leaving the financial impact unclear. While Burnham affirmed a commitment to a resolution, the specific terms satisfying both the United Kingdom and the United States remain undisclosed.

Reuters

• “So, I said that we remain determined to secure the long-term operation of the base, which is crucial to our security and that of our allies.” — Andy Burnham

The Independent

• “The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.” — Sir Ed Davey

The Independent

Parliament must still pass legislation to enact the treaty. Burnham indicated that foreign ministers from the United Kingdom and Mauritius will meet during the UN General Assembly to discuss the base’s future, but no timetable has been announced. The United States has signaled that any resolution must preserve its operational control of Diego Garcia, suggesting further diplomatic negotiations before the deal can be implemented.

Reuters