Story perspectives

UK to review Chagos handover after Trump calls it terrible

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 10:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The United Kingdom will review Chagos Islands handover to Mauritius after President Donald Trump called the deal terrible at UN.
Officials say the review reflects United States (U.S.) opposition, not a fundamental shift in UK policy.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK cannot proceed with the handover without American backing.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will seek a resolution acceptable to the U.S. after meeting President Donald Trump.

History

Historical Context

The United Kingdom detached the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965 and in 1971 leased Diego Garcia to the US for a base of 1,000 personnel. ICJ’s 2019 advisory opinion said the detachment violated law, and a 22 May 2025 treaty to hand sovereignty to Mauritius while keeping a 99-year US lease was paused after Donald Trump’s 2025 tariff threat and 2026 criticism, reviving the dispute.

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Story summary

The United Kingdom will review Chagos Islands handover to Mauritius after President Donald Trump called the deal terrible at UN.
Officials say the review reflects United States (U.S.) opposition, not a fundamental shift in UK policy.
Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said the UK cannot proceed with the handover without American backing.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will seek a resolution acceptable to the U.S. after meeting President Donald Trump.

1 / 2