Donald Trump ‘BACKS Chagos surrender’ in major victory for Starmer and Lammy
Donald Trump has appeared to back Britain’s handover of the Chagos Islands in a major victory for Sir Keir Starmer.
Despite intense speculation that the President would move to veto the controversial deal, Trump looked to have U-turned as he spoke to the media next to Starmer in the Oval Office.
He told reporters the deal will “work out very well”, adding: “We’ll be inclined to go along with your country. It doesn’t sound bad!”
But he did offer a back-door for a thumbs down, adding: “It’s a little bit early… We have to be given the details.”
Trump’s own Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned the surrender poses a serious threat to US security interests in the Indian Ocean – while back in the UK, Chagos hardliners Robert Jenrick and Rupert Lowe have already poured scorn on the President’s remarks.
“I hope that Donald Trump reconsiders his support for it. On this, he is wrong,” Lowe said.
“America might think it is their interest. But it is not ours,” Jenrick added.
He continued: “There is no good legal reason to give up the Chagos Islands and it would be a strategic disaster for Britain.”
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In a later social media post, Lowe wrote: “Surrendering vital British territory, emboldening dangerous enemies and paying billions to do so?
“All to satisfy the twisted anti-British delusions of pretentious human rights lawyers? There is a genuine alternative for the Chagos Islands. There is another way. DON’T DO IT.”
Meanwhile, a Mauritian Government source told The Telegraph they were “in a state of disbelief” at Trump’s apparent backing for the deal.
“We are not heading to Washington – this is a conversation between the UK and the US, not Mauritius,” they said.
“The UK is well aware of our stance on key issues, and we trust them to engage with their partners accordingly. For now, we wait – but I must admit, I find myself in a willing state of disbelief.”
Since Trump’s return to the White House five weeks ago, the political landscape has shifted, the source added, but said Mauritius would respect the outcome of the UK-US talks.
“Any questions at this stage should be directed to the UK, as we await the US position after their discussions,” they said.