By Islam El-Sakka
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he wants to "recast" the agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after resistance from the United States. He told the Economist he seeks "a new discussion" with Washington over the disputed archipelago, which hosts the Diego Garcia military base.
US Opposition Stalls Original Agreement
The original deal, struck by former prime minister Keir Starmer, would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease. Mauritius would receive £165m for three years and £120m annually thereafter. The arrangement was thrown into limbo after Donald Trump voiced opposition, calling it "a terrible deal."
Greenland Deal Cited as Possible Model
Burnham suggested the recent US-Greenland agreement with Denmark could provide a template. Under that deal, Greenland remains a Danish territory but the US gains an expanded military presence and bars adversaries from building bases there. Burnham said the UK is "very engaged" in finding a similar solution for Diego Garcia.
Payments Suspended Amid Negotiations
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed the UK has suspended payments to Mauritius while the two allies work on a compromise. He stated the deal cannot proceed without American support, nor without the agreement of the Mauritian and British governments.
Commonwealth Summit and Future Engagements
Burnham made the remarks on his return from the Commonwealth heads of government summit in Antigua, where Caribbean nations pressed for slavery reparations. He said his government advanced the issue by opening the possibility of a formal apology. Looking ahead, Burnham said Russian President Vladimir Putin would be barred from the G20 summit in Manchester next year due to sanctions, while Chinese President Xi Jinping would be welcome. He also noted preparations for an EU summit in Brussels to discuss the UK's long-term relationship with the bloc, including potential rejoining. Burnham's promised "10-year plan" for the UK may be delayed until January; he denied reports it would be brief, saying it will be substantial and compelling.
