Chagos Leader Says “Can’t Trust Him” As Starmer Denies Pausing Islands Deal

Summary: The Chagos Islands controversy has reignited after Labour denied pausing its treaty with Mauritius, despite confusion in Parliament and US concerns. A Chagossian leader has accused Sir Keir Starmer of betrayal and vowed to “keep fighting” to keep the islands British. Reform UK has demanded the deal be halted amid warnings of further international legal challenges.

Government Denies “Pause” As Confusion Mounts

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According to GB News, Labour has denied pressing pause on its controversial treaty to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

The confusion followed comments from Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer, who told MPs the Government was “pausing for discussions” with the United States after concerns were raised.

“We are pausing for discussions with our American counterparts.”

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However, a senior Government source later claimed Mr Falconer had “misspoke”.

A spokesman insisted:

“There is no pause. We have never set a deadline. Timings will be announced in the usual way. We are continuing discussions with the US, and we have been clear we will not proceed without their support.”

The mixed messaging comes after US president Donald Trump previously described the deal as “an act of great stupidity”, forcing the Prime Minister to pull the Chagos Islands Bill from the Lords last month.

“I Can’t Trust This Labour Government”

Amid the political turmoil, Misley Mandarin, First Minister of the Chagossian Government-in-exile, has issued a direct challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.

After leading a group to land on Ile du Coin in the Peros Banhos atoll, Mandarin told GB News:

“I can’t trust this Labour Government! Until this treaty is put in the bin we have to be very careful and keep fighting to save the Chagos and keep the Chagos British.

“We have supplies. We’re here. I’m up. I’m fighting for my country. I’m fighting for my country to stay British.”

He added:

“I’m staying put. There’s no reason. We are 130 miles away from the [Diego Garcia military base]. And we posed no threat to the base.

“So they’re going to have to drag me. And even if you have to run me into the jungle.”

The imagery is stark. Activists physically on the islands. A Government accused of surrender. And a treaty now under fresh scrutiny.

Farage Warns Of Maldives Counter-Claim

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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage escalated the situation further by raising the prospect of a counter-claim from the Maldives at the International Court of Justice.

“I wish to inform the Government that we are just a few days away, in my opinion, from the Maldives issuing a counterclaim to the International Court of Justice to say if anybody has the right to the sovereignty of those islands, it is the Maldives and not Mauritius.

“I would urge you to pause all of this.”

The wider concern now centres on strategic stability.

Diego Garcia hosts a key UK-US military base. Washington’s backing is essential. Ministers have acknowledged recent US statements are “very significant”.

For critics, the question is simple. Why rush a sovereignty transfer if legal challenges and geopolitical complications are still unfolding?

For supporters of the deal, it is about resolving a long-running dispute with Mauritius.

But with protests on the islands, US intervention and potential international litigation, the Government’s position looks increasingly unstable.

The Prime Minister says there is no pause. His critics say the whole plan is unravelling.

The political fight over Chagos is far from over.