Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure after US President Donald Trump cast doubt on the Prime Minister’s controversial deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The agreement — described by critics as a £35 billion “surrender” — would see the UK transfer control of the Indian Ocean archipelago while seeking to secure the long-term future of the strategically vital UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
Trump raises security fears
Although Trump had initially signalled support for the arrangement, he last night expressed serious concerns about the potential implications for US military operations.
He warned that in the event of escalating tensions with Iran, the United States might need to rely heavily on both Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
“Should Iran decide not to make a deal, it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous regime,” Trump said.
His remarks have intensified criticism from Conservative MPs and peers who argue the deal risks undermining Britain’s relationship with Washington and jeopardising long-term strategic interests.
Tory backlash intensifies
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has called on Starmer to scrap the agreement entirely.
The Witham MP said, “It’s time Starmer finally saw sense, U-turned and scrapped this appalling deal altogether. Giving up British sovereign territory to an ally of China and paying for the privilege is irresponsible and reckless and is clearly undermining our relationship with our most important ally.”
Conservative peer Daniel Hannan, known as Lord Hannan, declared that the Chagos agreement “is over,” and sharply criticised officials involved in negotiating the arrangement.
He said the focus should now turn to “how to deal with the officials who put us in this humiliating position,” naming senior figures including Peter Mandelson, Vijay Rangarajan, Richard Hermer and Jonathan Powell. He added pointedly: “I won’t bother adding Keir Starmer. He is already toast.”
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith also attacked the government’s legal justification for the deal. Speaking to GB News, he dismissed claims that Britain would face unavoidable legal challenges if it failed to transfer sovereignty.
“They keep on saying they’re going to get all sorts of legal attacks on them if they don’t do this,” he said. “That is utter ridiculous fairy-tale nonsense. It’s a complete lie by the Government.”
Government defence
A Foreign Office spokesman defended the agreement, arguing that it was essential to safeguard the long-term future of the joint UK-US base.
“The deal to secure the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia is crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies, and to keeping the British people safe,” the spokesman said.
“The agreement we have reached is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base.”
Strategic stakes
Diego Garcia has long been regarded as one of the most important Western military installations in the Indo-Pacific region, providing a forward operating base for air and naval forces. It has played a central role in US and UK operations in the Middle East and Asia for decades.
The broader dispute over the Chagos Islands stems from international legal rulings and diplomatic pressure concerning the UK’s continued sovereignty over the territory. Mauritius has long claimed the islands, and international courts have questioned the legality of Britain’s administration.
Starmer’s government argues that resolving the dispute now provides certainty for the base’s future and avoids prolonged legal and diplomatic conflict. Critics, however, say the financial cost and geopolitical implications represent a major strategic concession.
With Trump’s latest intervention, the issue has become entangled in transatlantic politics — and intensified calls for what opponents are branding Starmer’s “16th U-turn.”
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