Donald Trump signs off Keir Starmer’s controversial Chagos Islands deal

Donald Trump has formally signed off Keir Starmer’s controversial Chagos islands deal, No 10 has said.

The agreement is now being “finalised” between the UK and Mauritius.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “We are now working with the Mauritian government to finalise the deal and sign the treaty.”

A source added that “it’s now between us and the Mauritian government to finalise the deal following the discussions with us. We have had the discussions with the US and we are now finalising with the Mauritians.”

The revelation comes after President Trump strongly indicated that he would back the deal when he met with Sir Keir in the White House in February.

At the time Mr Trump said: “I have a feeling it is going to work out very well. I think we will be inclined to go along with your country.”

However, Sir Keir has previously come under fire over his plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Critics warn the deal, which reports suggest could cost as much as £18 billion, unnecessarily leases back a strategically vital airbase that the UK already owns.

The plan follows an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that the archipelago belongs to Mauritius which critics point out is not binding on the UK.

However, UK officials have told the White House that the judgement provided too much legal uncertainty for the crucial airbase and the deal would not cost the US taxpayer anything.

The Indian Ocean islands represent an important part of UK-US security plans because of the strategically crucial Diego Garcia airbase.

There are fears that with Mauritius in Mauritius belongs to an agreement which forbids nuclear weapons on its territory.

Last year it was revealed that Mr Trump was looking for a way to veto the deal, struck by foreign secretary David Lammy, because of concerns over the airbase on Diego Garcia island.

This followed interventions from Brexiteer Tories and Reform leader Nigel Farage. The decision by Trump to back the deal represents a major blow to Mr Farage in terms of his claims to be able to influence the White House.

As part of the agreement, the UK and US believe they have secured use of the airbase for at least 99 years, but have so far refused to publish how much they will pay to be allowed to use it.

But Mr Trump signalled he could back the deal during his recent meeting with Sir Keir in the White House.

The sign-off will come as a relief to the PM as he braces for difficult news from President Trump later this week.

The UK government expects to be hit by US tariffs in a move the US President has dubbed “Liberation Day”.