Summary
The UK and Mauritius made a deal about the Chagos Islands, including a military base lease back to the UK. President Trump criticized the deal, but the UK insists it won’t compromise on national security and has US support. The agreement aims to resolve a dispute about the islands' sovereignty.
Key Facts
- The UK agreed to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining control of a military base on Diego Garcia.
- President Trump called the deal an "act of great stupidity" but had previously endorsed it.
- The UK government says the US still supports the deal, along with its Five Eyes allies: Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The agreement, signed in May for £3.4 billion, allows the UK to lease back the base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- The UK claims the deal secures the base's operations and protects against security threats.
- Mauritius believes the Chagos Islands were illegally separated in 1965 and supports the agreement, as recognized by international law.
- The UK's Foreign Office plans to discuss the deal with the Trump administration to affirm its benefits.
