Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, April 11, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Britain nixes plan to return Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Trump criticism
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
Protesters advocating for the rights of Chagos Islanders hold a placard and banners outside the World Court in The Hague, Netherlands, September 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Mike Corder)
LONDON — Britain is shelving its plan to hand back the Chagos Islands — which hosts the strategic Diego Garcia US-UK military base — according to a government spokesperson, following strong opposition from US President Donald Trump.
“We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support” the spokesman says in a statement, as reports say legislation to return the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius was due to run out of time in parliament.
Trump in January lashed out at what he called London’s “great stupidity” over the deal. The islands are home to the key Diego Garcia US-UK military base.
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
The Times of Israel Community.
JOIN THE TOI COMMUNITY
Already a member? Log in here