UK postpones Chagos Islands sovereignty decision until Trump’s inauguration

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The UK has confirmed it will not finalise a deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until President-elect Donald Trump’s new U.S. administration is in place and consulted.

This delay stems from concerns within Trump’s inner circle, particularly regarding the strategic Diego Garcia military base, which is used by both the U.S. and the UK, ITVx reports on Thursday.

The UK government emphasised on Wednesday that it will only agree to a deal “that is in the UK’s best interests and protects our national security.”

When questioned about Mauritius’ request for further discussions, the prime minister’s spokesman, Matthew Doyle,  added, “It is obviously now right that the new U.S. administration has the chance to consider this and discuss this once they are in office.”