Should the UK shelve the Chagos deal due to Trump opposition?

The UK signed a treaty in May 2025 ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, including the Diego Garcia military base jointly used by the UK and US, to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for the base and annual payments of £101 million. US President Donald Trump has criticised the deal as a strategic error and 'act of great stupidity', withdrawing support due to security concerns over the base's future use. On April 11, 2026, the UK government shelved ratification of the treaty, citing insufficient time amid US opposition, though officials state the agreement is not fully abandoned.