A Clash Over Chagos: UK Stands Firm Against Trump's Sudden Opposition

The UK is in a tough spot. Donald Trump has suddenly changed his mind about the Chagos deal. He now calls it a "great stupidity. " But the UK says US intelligence agencies still support it. Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, is on his way to Beijing. He talked about this issue on his flight. He said the US has always backed the deal. It helps their defenses. The UK and Mauritius agreed on this deal last May. Downing Street says it's a "done deal. " They haven't heard any complaints from the US. Not even from their intelligence agencies. Some think Trump's sudden change of heart is about Greenland. He wants to take over this Arctic territory. The Tories, who oppose the Chagos deal, are happy about Trump's new stance. Starmer was asked if he trusts Trump to keep his word. He said the US reviewed the deal for three months. After that, they supported it. Even Trump himself backed it.Trump recently said the UK is giving away important land. He thinks it's a sign of weakness. But the UK says they've secured the base for the long term. They say this deal is good for national security. The next step in the deal is delayed in the House of Lords. Downing Street says they're still working with the US. They're trying to sort things out. The UK agreed to hand over Chagos to Mauritius in October 2024. They'll keep a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia. This is where the UK and US have a joint military base. The cost is projected to be £3. 4bn. The deal was made under pressure from Washington. They were worried about what would happen if Mauritius won a case at the international court. Starmer said the deal secures the base for the long term. He said their adversaries, including China, oppose it. The Tories claim the government sided with Beijing. But China abstained on the UN vote. Experts say China sees the agreement as a setback. They think it's bad for their national security.