The UK government has defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over its handling. In a post on social media, Trump labelled the move as an 'act of great stupidity', months after he and senior US officials endorsed it. Later on Tuesday he confirmed he was 'against' the deal.
The UK government stated that it would 'never compromise on our national security', while the prime minister's official spokesperson insisted the US still supported the move. The agreement, signed in May, involves the UK retaining control of a UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia.
In his criticism, Trump claimed that the UK is planning to give away crucial military territory without justification, highlighting concerns over national security and accusing the UK of weakness.
Against this backdrop, UK officials reinforced that the agreement, which addresses disputes over sovereignty and operational control of the military base, had necessary provisions to ensure the UK's strategic interests were met well into the future. Mauritius' attorney general has also emphasized that the deal is recognized under international law.
This contentious agreement follows a long-standing dispute about the Chagos Islands, which the UK detached from Mauritius in 1965. As discussions about the deal continue, UK political leaders express varying opinions, with some calling for a rethink on the agreement in light of Trump's remarks.
The UK government stated that it would 'never compromise on our national security', while the prime minister's official spokesperson insisted the US still supported the move. The agreement, signed in May, involves the UK retaining control of a UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia.
In his criticism, Trump claimed that the UK is planning to give away crucial military territory without justification, highlighting concerns over national security and accusing the UK of weakness.
Against this backdrop, UK officials reinforced that the agreement, which addresses disputes over sovereignty and operational control of the military base, had necessary provisions to ensure the UK's strategic interests were met well into the future. Mauritius' attorney general has also emphasized that the deal is recognized under international law.
This contentious agreement follows a long-standing dispute about the Chagos Islands, which the UK detached from Mauritius in 1965. As discussions about the deal continue, UK political leaders express varying opinions, with some calling for a rethink on the agreement in light of Trump's remarks.
