Britain’s government said on Saturday (April 11, 2026) it had put on hold its deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands — home to the U.S.-British Diego Garcia air base — which has been criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Times newspaper said planned legislation underpinning the deal to cede the islands to Mauritius, which needs the backing of Washington, would not be included in the government’s next parliamentary agenda.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said London would try to persuade Washington to give its formal approval.
Mr. Trump said in February that the deal was a “big mistake”, having previously said it was the best that Mr. Starmer would get.
Under the deal, Britain would retain control of the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease that preserves U.S. operations there.
