Politics

UK defends Chagos deal after Trump calls it 'act of great stupidity'

January 20, 2026

The UK government has defended its controversial agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the military base at Diego Garcia, after US President Donald Trump criticized the deal as 'an act of great stupidity.' The UK maintains that it will prioritize national security and insists that the US continues to support the arrangement despite Trump's remarks.

Aerial view of the Chagos Islands

Credit: Co

Key Highlights

The UK signed a £3.4bn deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The deal allows the UK to lease back a military base on Diego Garcia.
Trump criticized the agreement, calling it 'total weakness'.
The UK government asserts it will not compromise on national security.
The US previously endorsed the deal before Trump's criticism.

Sources

UK defends Chagos deal after Trump calls it 'act of great stupidity'

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

UK defends Chagos deal after Trump calls it 'act of great stupidity'

Key Highlights

Sources

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