Trump’s Support for UK Control of Chagos Islands May Undermine Starmer’s Deal

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Donald Trump previously supported the United Kingdom’s claim over the Chagos Islands, a position that could disrupt Sir Keir Starmer’s recent deal to transfer control of the islands to Mauritius. During Trump’s last term as U.S. president, his administration filed a legal document backing Britain’s stance that the international courts should not intervene in the sovereignty dispute over the archipelago, according to information revealed by *The Telegraph*.

 

The U.S. government’s legal support for the UK during Trump’s administration is a strong indication that he may oppose the current Labour plan to relinquish British control of the islands to Mauritius. The Chagos Islands hold strategic importance for both the United States and the UK, as they are home to an American military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the chain. Mike Pompeo, Trump’s former Secretary of State, previously emphasized that UK control of Diego Garcia was vital for maintaining U.S. military operations in the area.

 

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party and an ally of Trump, noted that individuals close to the former president-elect are critical of Labour’s plan to cede the islands. The situation has led to speculation that Trump could oppose the deal, with two former UK Foreign Office officials telling *The Telegraph* they anticipate Trump may publicly contest it.

 

The transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius, which Starmer announced in early October, remains in a legally uncertain phase as the treaty necessary to formalize the change is still under negotiation. The deal is an “agreement in principle,” and some senior Republicans in the U.S. have voiced concerns that the handover could empower China in the region. This cautionary perspective has been echoed by prominent UK officials, including Robert Buckland, former justice secretary and head of the UK’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

 

Reflecting on the potential impact of Trump’s return, Buckland expressed hope that Trump would reconsider Starmer’s arrangement. He stated, “Along with many other countries, the previous Trump administration steadfastly and rightly opposed Mauritius’s use of the ICJ to resolve what is a sovereignty dispute. I hope that the new administration will come to our aid.” 

 

The fate of the Chagos Islands remains uncertain, as the legal process to solidify the change has yet to be completed. If Trump voices opposition to the deal upon assuming office, the future of Starmer’s agreement with Mauritius could be in jeopardy, adding a layer of complexity to the UK’s foreign policy in the Indian Ocean region.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-11-09

 

 

 

[mfd101]

Starmer & Lammy haven't a clue. Hopeless.

[rovinman]

Its a GOOD basis for talks with Trump, about Ukraine  ! 

Give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, in the same way that Trump wants to give Ukraine to Russia !
Pillock  !

[Thingamabob]

17 minutes ago, rovinman said:

Its a GOOD basis for talks with Trump, about Ukraine  ! 

Give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, in the same way that Trump wants to give Ukraine to Russia !
Pillock  !

Ridiculous.

[JonnyF]

The latest in a string of dumb moves by dumb and dumber. Starmer and Lammy are embarrassingly bad. 

[blazes]

The main argument against giving Mauritius the big island of Diego Garcia is that they may turn around and sell it to the Chinese. 

 

It would be very useful to the Chinese to possess an island in the Indian Ocean so close to the African mainland.  On that ground alone, Trump might want to hold on to it.  

 

On the other hand, Trump has ruled out any future employment for his former hawkish Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, so maybe Trump doesn't attach any strategic (or indeed real estate) value to the island....

[nauseus]

On 11/9/2024 at 7:30 AM, rovinman said:

Its a GOOD basis for talks with Trump, about Ukraine  ! 

Give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, in the same way that Trump wants to give Ukraine to Russia !
Pillock  !

 

The Chagos Islands have never belonged to Mauritius, you dunce.

 

 

[candide]

What authority has the U.S. on this matter?

[tonbridgebrit]

2 hours ago, blazes said:

The main argument against giving Mauritius the big island of Diego Garcia is that they may turn around and sell it to the Chinese. 

 

It would be very useful to the Chinese to possess an island in the Indian Ocean so close to the African mainland.  On that ground alone, Trump might want to hold on to it.  

 

On the other hand, Trump has ruled out any future employment for his former hawkish Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, so maybe Trump doesn't attach any strategic (or indeed real estate) value to the island....

You're right about Mauritius selling whatever island to China, but it's best to not mention China at all.  Mentioning China and America having islands in the Indian Ocean undermines the point about China having islands in the South China Sea.

America doesn't want a deal where China owns the South China Sea and America will have the Indian Ocean.

[tonbridgebrit]

13 minutes ago, candide said:

What authority has the U.S. on this matter?

Well, Britain owns it, and America has a lease and has got it's combat jets there. Is there anybody else claiming ownership of the Indian Ocean ? China, Russia and India/Pakistan are not claiming ownership. And nor is South Africa.  🙂

[tonbridgebrit]

On 11/9/2024 at 2:13 AM, JonnyF said:

The latest in a string of dumb moves by dumb and dumber. Starmer and Lammy are embarrassingly bad. 

Stop being absurd, Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives themselves would have, in the long term, given up ownership of these islands that are no way near Britain.