World News

United Kingdom reviews Chagos Islands treaty following Donald Trump criticism

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed payments to Mauritius are halted after the US president opposed the handover agreement.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 12:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting announced the UK is reconsidering its agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.[The Guardian · BBC News]
The review follows US President Donald Trump calling the arrangement a terrible deal and withdrawing American support.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Scheduled financial payments to Mauritius are suspended while British officials seek an agreement the US administration will accept.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Parliament has not passed the legislation required to finalize the transfer of the archipelago.[BBC News]

The UK is reviewing the Chagos Islands handover agreement after US President Donald Trump declared it a terrible deal.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that scheduled payments to Mauritius will not proceed at this stage.[The Guardian · BBC News]
Under the 2025 agreement, the UK planned to lease back the Diego Garcia base for 99 years at an estimated net overall cost of £3.4bn.[BBC News]
The payment plan outlined £165m annually for three years followed by £120m per year starting in year four.[The Guardian]
A final bill to transfer sovereignty had not passed the UK Parliament prior to the agreement being paused indefinitely in April.[BBC News]

Whether the UK and the US can negotiate treaty modifications acceptable to Donald Trump remains uncertain.[The Guardian · BBC News]
The full long-term expense remains contested, with opponents claiming inflation could elevate costs up to £35bn alongside potential security risks.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.