Chagos Deal Suspended amid political Backlash among UK MP’s

The deal 'Chagos Islands' appears to be on the rocks, with UK prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer reportedly deciding to delay the agreement over fears of a politically "toxic" backlash from within his own party leadership.

The proposed deal would require approval from the House of Commons for a multi billion-pound settlement. A key element of the arrangement includes paying the republic of Mauritius to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated by the United States and the United Kingdom.

The agreement had already secured backing from the United States, with President Donald Trump reportedly giving his approval earlier this year—removing a key obstacle to the proposed handover of the Chagos Islands.

Last month, reports suggested that Downing Street was "ready to sign" a deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, with the agreement expected to cost around Rs 513 billion (Rs 513,000,000,000). The move followed a reported green light from a previously sceptical former U.S. President Donald Trump in February.

However, UK PMO now appears poised to shelve the agreement, amid concerns it could provoke unrest among Labour’s already restive MPs—particularly as the government prepares to push through controversial cuts to disability benefits under the banner of fiscal restraint.