Minister downplays Trump criticism of Chagos deal, says UK–US diplomacy 'is working'

Cabinet Office minister Darren Jones played down Donald Trump’s criticism of the UK’s agreement over the Chagos Islands, saying British diplomacy with the United States 'is working'. The government issued a statement defending the Chagos deal, saying 'The UK will never compromise on our national security.

We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it operating as intended in future.' The statement said the deal 'secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations' and has been 'publicly welcomed by the US, Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as key international partners including India, Japan and South Korea.' The Guardian reported that the Trump administration had approved the deal when it was negotiated, accepting Downing Street's argument that it removed the legal risk to access Diego Garcia.

Trump has since posted on his Truth Social network calling the transfer a 'sign of total weakness' and 'great stupidity'.

Key Topics

Politics, Chagos Islands, Diego Garcia, Darren Jones, Donald Trump, Mauritius