- Legislation intended to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has reportedly been put on hold following direct criticism from Donald Trump.
- The proposed £35 billion agreement, which includes a plan to lease back the crucial UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, is now facing significant hurdles.
- The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is not expected to feature in the Government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming King’s Speech.
- Donald Trump, who had previously supported the arrangement, branded the deal an “act of great stupidity” in a social media post, directly impacting its progression.
- A Government source confirmed that proceedings would not continue without Mr Trump’s endorsement, a stance echoed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch who called for the deal to be abandoned.
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