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UK government hits back at Trump’s Chagos Islands deal criticism

Starmer formally announces deal to hand over Chagos Islands to Mauritius

The UK government has responded to criticism from Donald Trump regarding its decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Trump, writing on Truth Social, labelled the move an 'act of total weakness' and claimed it was done 'FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER'.
A government spokesperson defended the decision, stating it was necessary due to court rulings that threatened the operation of the Diego Garcia base.
The spokesperson highlighted that the deal has been publicly welcomed by the US, Australia, other Five Eyes allies, and key international partners including India, Japan and South Korea.
This contrasts with Trump's previous stance, as he reportedly told Sir Keir Starmer in February that he was 'inclined to go with your country' regarding the deal.

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