Chagos Islands deal shelved

The decision has left the long-negotiated deal in tatters, with Mauritian officials vowing to continue their efforts to 'decolonise' the islands.

Conservative shadow defense secretary James Cartlidge described the deal as 'foolish' and claimed its collapse represents a major U-turn for the Starmer government.

The islands are home to the critical Diego Garcia military base, which the U.S. uses for operations across the Middle East and Asia.

The delay has sparked a fresh row over Britain's colonial legacy and its dependence on U.S. foreign policy approval.