Starmer Abandons Chagos Island Deal

The original agreement, which included a 99-year lease for the strategic Diego Garcia air base, was deemed essential for regional security but lacked formal U.S. support.

President Trump had been openly hostile to the deal, describing it as a threat to American military interests in the Indian Ocean.

Mauritius has vowed to 'spare no effort' to reclaim the territory, while former UK diplomats warn that the issue may now remain unresolved for decades.

The collapse of the deal is seen as a significant diplomatic blow to Starmer, who is struggling to navigate a complex relationship with the new White House.