UK “pauses” Chagos Islands Deal Passage Into Law Amid Diplomatic Row

UK “pauses” Chagos Islands deal passage into law amid diplomatic row Government minister says legal approval paused for talks with United States A Foreign Office minister told UK lawmakers that the parliamentary process to ratify a treaty handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius had been “paused” while the government discusses concerns with the United States. The agreement struck last year by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer requires UK approval through legislation before becoming law. White House criticism prompts diplomatic review
The comments came after US President Donald Trump publicly criticised the deal, calling it a “big mistake” and urging the UK not to hand over control of the Chagos Archipelago especially the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base jointly operated by the UK and US. Trump’s shift added pressure on London to reassess the treaty’s timing and terms.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said the government was “pausing” the UK’s legislative process for the treaty so that direct talks with American counterparts could take place. He told MPs the pause was meant to address the recent “very significant” statement from the US president and ensure ongoing support from Washington. Shortly after the minister’s remarks, government officials moved to clarify that the Chagos Islands deal itself had not been formally paused and that negotiations with the US were simply ongoing. A Foreign Office source said there was “no pause” in the parliamentary timetable and that the usual legislative timing would be announced in due course even if debate in both Houses has not occurred since late January.
Under the original deal, the UK would transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while retaining long-term use of the Diego Garcia base under a 99-year lease and paying Mauritius at least £120 million annually for access. The agreement was framed as a way to resolve a long-running dispute while preserving military cooperation. The treaty has faced criticism from multiple angles not just over security concerns but also over historical issues relating to the expulsion of Chagossians decades ago and their limited rights to return.
Government sources stress that while discussions are underway with the US, there is no formal abandonment of the treaty and the parliamentary process will continue once those concerns are addressed. However, doubts remain about the timeline and political support for ratification if key allies revise their position.
A Foreign Office minister’s claim that the UK was “pausing” the passage of the Chagos Islands deal into law has sparked confusion and a rapid government walk-back. The statement came amid strong criticism from the US president over the deal, prompting London to emphasise continued talks with Washington while insisting the treaty itself is not dead and remains on track for parliamentary approval.