Trump slams UK deal to hand over Chagos Islands after he previously backed it
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- The British government defended its decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who called the move "an act of stupidity" threatening national security.
- The UK and Mauritius signed a deal in May granting Mauritius sovereignty, while the UK will lease back Diego Garcia, home to a vital U.S. military base, for at least 99 years; the U.S. initially supported the agreement.
- Opposition parties in the UK and displaced islanders criticized the deal, expressing concerns about national security risks and the lack of consultation with the Chagossian community, who were evicted decades ago for the base's construction.
- The UK Parliament's House of Commons passed legislation
