The controversial deal to give up the Chagos Isalnds is being “finalised” after winning approval from President Donald Trump, Downing Street has confirmed.
The plan means the UK will hand sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius and then pay to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, which is used by the US.
Final discussions are ongoing between the UK and the Mauritian governments over the terms, No 10 said on Tuesday.
“The finalisation of the deal is ongoing,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.
US President Mr Trump indicated his backing for the deal during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington in February, saying: “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman added on Tuesday: “You will have seen from the president that he recognised the strength of the deal.
“I think we are now working with the Mauritian government to finalise the deal and sign the treaty.
“My understanding is it’s now between us and the Mauritian government to finalise the deal, following the discussions with the US.”
A deal was initially announced last year, but a change of administration in Mauritius and the return of Mr Trump to the White House put an agreement in doubt.
The Government has argued that it has to give up sovereignty over the territory due to international legal rulings in favour of Mauritius.
Reports have suggested the deal could cost £90 million a year to secure the use of Diego Garcia, with payments front-loaded to win the support of the Mauritian government.
It comes after cash-strapped Hillingdon council warned an increasing number of people from the Chagos Islands were flying into London and needing homelessness support when they land.
The town hall said it has seen an influx of families of Chagossian decent arriving at Heathrow airport "without planned onward accommodation" and it has predicted it will cost the town hall more than £1million by the end of the year.
Between the end of July, 2024 and mid February, 171 people from the British Indian Ocean Territory came to the council for assistance. This comprised of 51 households, the majority with children.
Hillingdon, which has had to make £34 million of cuts to its budget this year, has a duty to support the majority of households who have presented as they have at least one child, but the council says this is unfunded by central government.
