Burnham Seeks to Recast Chagos Islands Deal After US Pushback 2026

Andy Burnham has called for the UK to recast the Chagos Islands deal following resistance from Washington, which suggested the agreement could instead be modelled on America’s Greenland arrangement with Denmark. The prime minister told The Economist he wanted “a new discussion” with the US over the disputed islands, home to the Diego Garcia military base.

The original deal, struck by former prime minister Keir Starmer, would have transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while the UK retained control of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease. However, the agreement has been in limbo since Donald Trump made clear he opposed it.

Burnham said: “We are in discussion with our US friends to see how we might recast the arrangement that better meets their concerns.” He added: “We look at the Greenland deal, and obviously there was a solution reached there. Now, maybe there is something there we can take from that to see if there’s a solution that works in relation to Diego Garcia. But that is something that we’re very engaged on. We’re working hard on it, but it is challenging.”

Why the Chagos Islands Deal Matters

The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention for decades. The UK expelled the Chagossian population in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the Diego Garcia base, which has been used by the US military for operations in the Middle East and Asia. Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the islands, and the original deal was seen as a way to resolve the dispute while securing the base’s future.

Under the agreement, Mauritius would have received £165 million for three years and £120 million a year from the fourth year. The deal was thrown into uncertainty when Trump voiced his opposition, reportedly comparing it to a surrender of strategic assets.

What the Greenland Model Could Mean

The Greenland deal refers to a 2020 arrangement between the US and Denmark that allowed the US to maintain a military presence in Greenland while respecting Danish sovereignty. Burnham’s suggestion that a similar model could apply to Diego Garcia indicates a potential compromise: the US might accept Mauritian sovereignty if its military interests are guaranteed.

However, the Greenland deal was fundamentally different—it was a defense cooperation agreement, not a sovereignty transfer. Applying it to Chagos would require creative diplomacy and likely concessions from all parties.

Key Takeaways

• US opposition has stalled the Chagos Islands deal, prompting Burnham to seek a recast.
• The Greenland model is being considered as a potential framework for a revised agreement.
• The original deal would have given Mauritius sovereignty while the UK retained the Diego Garcia base under a 99-year lease.
• Financial terms included £165 million for three years and £120 million annually thereafter.
• Burnham acknowledged the challenge but said the UK is “working hard” on a solution.

Comparing the Original Deal and the Greenland Model

The table highlights the fundamental differences. The original deal involved a sovereignty transfer, while the Greenland model is a defense cooperation framework. Any recast would need to bridge these gaps.

What to Watch Next

The UK is engaged in discussions with the US to find a solution that addresses American concerns. Burnham’s comments suggest that the UK is willing to compromise, but the path forward is uncertain. The outcome will have implications for the UK’s relationship with Mauritius, the future of the Diego Garcia base, and the broader geopolitical landscape.

For those following the story, the key question is whether the US will accept a revised deal that preserves its military interests while allowing Mauritius some form of sovereignty. The Greenland model offers a potential template, but it is not a perfect fit.

FAQ

The Chagos Islands deal remains a complex issue with significant geopolitical implications. As the UK seeks to recast the arrangement, the world watches to see if a solution can be found that satisfies all parties.

For more on the Chagos Islands deal and its latest developments, see our coverage of how the Chagos Islands deal hinges on US support, Streeting says. This underscores the critical role Washington plays in the negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Chagos Islands deal on hold as Trump objects to UK plan provides context on the current impasse. The US president’s opposition has been a major stumbling block.

As discussions continue, the UK’s ability to navigate US concerns will be crucial. The Chagos Islands deal hinges on US support, Streeting says, highlighting the importance of transatlantic cooperation.

For a deeper understanding of the original agreement, the Chagos Islands deal on hold as Trump objects to UK plan outlines the financial and strategic terms. The stalemate persists as both sides seek a resolution.

Ultimately, the Chagos Islands deal hinges on US support, Streeting says, and Burnham’s latest comments signal a willingness to adapt. The coming months will be decisive.