UK to hand Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite Trump’s taunts, No 10 says

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Pippa Crerar and Jessica ElgotJanuary 20, 2026 at 08:42 PM

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The UK intends to proceed with handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite former US President Trump's criticism. Trump called the move "an act of great stupidity," linking it to his desire to acquire Greenland and citing concerns about China and Russia. The Chagos Islands include Diego Garcia, home to a strategically important US-UK military base. Downing Street maintains that the US still supports the agreement, which aims to provide a firm legal basis for the base's operation and secure its capabilities. The UK emphasizes the base's importance for national security and intelligence cooperation with the US.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 40% Russia 50% China 50% Greenland ×360% British Indian Ocean Territory 60% Keir Starmer ×260% Mauritius ×370% United States ×680% Chagos Islands 80% Diego Garcia ×280% UK ×790% Donald Trump ×590%

Keywords

chagos islands 100% uk 90% mauritius 90% diego garcia 80% us military base 70% donald trump 60% sovereignty 60% international relations 50% national security 50% geopolitics 40%