Donald Trump has approved Keir Starmer’s deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. No10 said the UK government is now working with the Mauritian government to “finalise the deal and sign the treaty”.
Back in February the US President said he was “inclined” to back the deal as he appeared alongside Mr Starmer in the Oval Office. Under the plans – opposed by the Tories – the UK is expected to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years, with an option for a 40-year extension.
Asked whether the UK was still waiting for Mr Trump to approve the agreement, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said said: “I mean, you will have seen from the president that he recognised the strength of the deal.
“I think we are now working with the Mauritian government to finalise the deal and sign the treaty. My understanding is it’s now between us and the Mauritian government to finalise the deal following the discussions with the US.”
Earlier the government refused to say which departments will pay for costs associated with the deal with Mauritius for the Chagos Islands.
Foreign minister Stephen Doughty said money will be “managed responsibly within the Government’s fiscal framework,” but would not say whether it would fall under the Foreign Office’s remit as he was urged to “dump the deal”.
Conservative MP Joe Robertson said: “The Government is planning to give away sovereign British territory along with billions of pounds to Mauritius. The money hasn’t been referred to in the spring statement or the budget, where is it coming from?”
Mr Doughty said full details would be provided in “due course”.
Shadow foreign minister Andrew Rosindell said Sir Keir Starmer had “caved in” to demands by the Mauritian government but pushed Mr Doughty on which departments would be responsible for the lease, economic partnership and Chagossian trust fund.
Mr Rosindell added: “When will this horrific deal finally come to Parliament and what time will we have to debate it. Or better still, why doesn’t the minister dump the deal completely and keep Chagos British?”
Mr Doughty said: “A financial element was crucial to protect the operation of that crucial base. Once the treaty is signed and put before both houses for scrutiny, for application in the usual way, this will, of course, include costs. The Government will not scrimp on our security, protecting the British people is our number one priority.”