UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the withdrawal of legislation intended to transfer the Chagos Islands from British control to Mauritius. The bill, which aimed to alter the sovereignty arrangement of the strategically located archipelago, faced mounting opposition prior to its cancellation.
The decision follows criticism from various international and political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump. Critics argued that the proposed transfer could potentially breach the terms of a 1966 UK-US agreement, which governs aspects of the territory’s status and strategic importance.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention for many years, primarily due to previous disputes involving the displacement of residents and questions over sovereignty. The UK maintains that the islands are a British Overseas Territory, while Mauritius claims sovereignty over the archipelago.
Prime Minister Starmer’s move to withdraw the bill signals a shift in the UK government’s approach amid international scrutiny and diplomatic considerations. Officials have not provided detailed reasons for the decision but indicated that it reflects a reassessment of the legislation’s implications and adherence to existing agreements.