UK drops Chagos sovereignty bill after Trump withdraws backing: Report

Britain has shelved legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after US President Donald Trump withdrew support, according to a media report Friday.

British newspaper The Times reported that the bill will not be included in next month’s King’s Speech, preventing it from being introduced in the current parliamentary session.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer had backed a deal to hand over the islands while leasing back the strategic military base on Diego Garcia under a long-term agreement.

A government source, quoted by the newspaper, said Britain would not proceed without US backing and would seek to persuade Trump to reconsider. Ministers are said to be frustrated after the US initially supported the plan before reversing course.

Officials have also raised concerns about potential legal challenges from Mauritius that could affect access to waters around Diego Garcia, a key UK-US defense site.

The proposal has faced opposition from political rivals, and its future now depends on whether support from Washington can be restored.