Starmer Shelves Chagos Islands Deal

The sudden U-turn has been described as a 'humiliation' for the Starmer administration, which had previously championed the treaty as a way to end a long-standing colonial dispute.

President Trump's opposition, voiced during the Easter weekend, highlights the growing influence of the White House on British foreign policy.

Mauritius has vowed to 'spare no effort' to reclaim sovereignty over the archipelago, while the UK opposition has mocked the government for relying on 'old enemies' to patrol British waters.

The base at Diego Garcia remains a critical strategic asset for both the UK and the US in the Indian Ocean.