The UK government has defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over its handling.
In a post on social media, Trump labelled the move as an act of great stupidity and total weakness, months after he and senior US officials endorsed it.
In response, the UK government said it would never compromise on our national security, while the prime minister's official spokesperson insisted the US still supported the move.
The UK signed the £3.4bn ($4.6bn) agreement in May, under which it would retain control of a UK-US military base on the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday morning, Trump said: Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.
Trump added: There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness. He also criticized the UK for surrendering crucial land.
UK officials reiterated their stance, stating the deal was necessary to secure the operations of the military base, amidst previous legal uncertainties regarding its future.
The Chagos Islands dispute has been contentious, rooted in their separation from Mauritius in 1965. The UK has maintained control over the islands, which serve as a significant military location. A government bill to implement the agreement is currently pending in Parliament.
Local advocates for the Chagossian community, born on Diego Garcia, voiced their opposition to the deal, advocating for their rights to return.
