The UK government has confirmed a pause in the Chagos Islands agreement after US opposition halted progress on the deal. Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty told MPs that negotiations with the United States and Mauritius cannot continue under current political conditions. The proposed agreement would have transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The UK would have retained access to the Diego Garcia military base through a long-term lease. Officials estimated lease payments at around £101 million per year. Critics warned the total cost could rise significantly over time.
The pause follows a shift in position from US President Donald Trump. He previously supported the deal but later withdrew his backing. He also described it as a “total weakness.” As a result, UK ministers lost momentum in completing the legal steps. Doughty told Parliament that updating the UK-US defence framework has become politically impossible. He said both governments worked closely during earlier negotiations. However, he said recent US changes created a deadlock.
The government will not introduce legislation during the current parliamentary session. Officials confirmed that no payments can proceed without full ratification. Ministers will now review next steps with the United States and Mauritius. The original agreement aimed to resolve a long-running sovereignty dispute. It also aimed to maintain the strategic role of Diego Garcia.
Opposition MPs raised concerns about cost and geopolitical risk. They warned the deal could affect power dynamics in the Indian Ocean. Conservative MPs urged the government to abandon the proposal. They questioned whether the UK should proceed without US support. Doughty said previous governments helped start the process. However, he did not confirm whether new legislation would return.
The Chagos deal pause leaves the future uncertain. Officials say a settlement is still necessary. However, they admit diplomatic conditions now block progress. The UK, US, and Mauritius will reassess their positions before talks restart.
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