Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delayed the Chagos Islands deal after the United States criticized it.
Donald Trump called the agreement “a great act of stupidity” on his Truth Social platform this week.
The UK had planned to hand sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while keeping control of the Diego Garcia military base.
The House of Lords scheduled a debate on Monday, but ministers withdrew the bill amid political tension.
Opponents argued the deal could breach a 1966 treaty with the US, which confirms British sovereignty over the islands.
Meanwhile, ministers accused peers of interfering with Britain’s national security, calling their actions “irresponsible and reckless.”
The UK government promises to return the Chagos Islands deal once these issues are resolved.
Last year, Starmer agreed to hand the islands to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia base.
The arrangement guarantees the UK an average annual fee of £101 million, totaling around £3.4 billion.
The UK has governed the islands since 1814 and created a separate colony after detaching them from Mauritius in 1965.
British forces forcibly removed Chagossians in the 1960s, but Mauritius can now plan their resettlement, except on Diego Garcia.
Trump initially supported the plan last year, telling Starmer he expected “it’s going to work out very well.”
Starmer said international law and a 2019 ICJ advisory opinion required the UK to end its administration over the islands.
He added that the deal protects British national security, secures Diego Garcia, and prevents potential Chinese or foreign threats.
Government officials emphasized the arrangement keeps joint US-UK military capabilities intact for generations.
Key allies, including Australia, India, Japan, and South Korea, publicly welcomed the Chagos Islands deal.
However, Tory peers introduced a last-minute amendment that requires formal Chagossian consultation and treaty compliance.
Labour sources clarified that Trump’s comments did not trigger the delay; peers in the Lords caused the main opposition.
The bill now enters “ping pong” stages, as the Commons and Lords resolve all amendments.
The Chagos Islands deal remains a high-stakes issue for British diplomacy, national security, and the displaced Chagossian community.
For more updates, stay tuned to London Pulse News.
