In a dramatic shift from yesterday’s calls for “calm discussion,” Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confronts an unprecedented diplomatic challenge following President Trump’s explosive social media reactions regarding UK foreign policy decisions. The American president’s latest outburst targets Britain’s agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius—a deal previously celebrated as a foreign policy achievement.
Sir Keir’s administration had meticulously cultivated its relationship with the White House, considering it a cornerstone of their international strategy. This alliance had yielded tangible benefits, most notably evidenced by last year’s successful tariff negotiations that Downing Street hailed as a model of productive bilateral cooperation. President Trump had previously expressed warm approval of both the Chagos agreement and the British leadership, with the UK government believing it maintained stronger ties with Washington than many European counterparts.
However, the current administration now finds itself defending what was once a praised arrangement. Senior government sources emphasize that the Chagos decision emerged from practical necessity—legal challenges threatened the viability of the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base, jointly operated by the UK and US. The transfer agreement, they argue, actually secures the long-term future of this critical defense installation.
Complicating matters further, an imminent decision regarding a new Chinese embassy in London presents additional diplomatic risks. Washington has expressed deep reservations about perceived British alignment with Beijing, particularly concerning given the Prime Minister’s anticipated visit to China in coming weeks. This development raises the possibility of further presidential reactions, potentially undermining what had been considered Sir Keir’s most successful foreign policy achievement.