The UK government has postponed a debate on a bill that would formalize the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following criticism from US President Donald Trump. The bill, which was set to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday, has been delayed indefinitely.
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius, with the latter claiming sovereignty over the archipelago. In May 2025, the UK and Mauritius reached an agreement that would see the islands transferred to Mauritian control, while allowing the US and UK to maintain a joint military base on the island of Diego Garcia for 99 years.
However, President Trump has expressed opposition to the deal, describing it as “an act of great stupidity” and “total weakness” on the part of the UK. He argued that the islands are “extremely important land” that hosts a “vital US military base.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pushed back against Trump’s criticism, suggesting that the US president’s comments were motivated by a desire to pressure him over the status of Greenland, which Starmer maintains is part of Denmark. The UK government has stated that it remains committed to securing the Diego Garcia base and has accused the opposition Conservative Party of “irresponsible and reckless behavior” for calling for a pause in the debate.
The Conservatives have argued that the bill violates a 1996 agreement between the UK and the US, which requires the Chagos Islands to remain under UK sovereignty for security purposes. The UK government maintains that the handover of the islands is necessary to avoid a costly legal battle with Mauritius and to ensure the long-term security of the region.
The delay in the debate has significant implications for the future of the Chagos Islands and the UK’s relationship with Mauritius and the US. The UK government will need to navigate the complex diplomatic landscape to find a solution that balances its security interests with its commitment to resolving the dispute with Mauritius.
