President Trump is set to approve Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial Chagos deal after Downing Street offered him extra security guarantees.
The President changed his stance on the deal after intense lobbying from members of the American intelligence community and British officials.
However, the White House has seemingly U-turned after a call between Sir Keir and Mr Trump.
A Downing Street spokesman last night said the two leaders recognised the “strategic importance” of Diego Garcia and agreed to “continue working closely to guarantee the future operation of the base.”
Mr Trump is expected to give final approval in a second call on Wednesday evening, reports The Telegraph.
However, sources in Whitehall were quick to stress the deal would not be approved until the President gave his full verbal consent.
Donald Trump and Keir Starmer last year in Egypt
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GETTY
Given President Trump’s reputation for changing his position or extending negotiations at the final moment, Downing Street sources said the timeline for the call could change.
Talks between Westminster and Washington reportedly involved National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell officials from the Foreign Office, Downing Street, the US Department of State, the White House and the American Intelligence Agencies.
Defence Secretary John Healey also held talks with his Washington counterpart, Pete Hegseth in the last few days.
The White House is reportedly seeking additional security guarantees to prevent Chinese interference, addressing concerns from US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised concerns about the deal
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REUTERS
Mr Rubio has questioned the deal’s legality and ordered a review.
The added measures would also allow President Trump to reverse his position publicly, providing an “off ramp” to change his mind without drawing the i re from China hawks both in his administration and on Capitol Hill.
Under the deal, which will cost £35billion over the next century, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island of Diego Garcia.
Legislation to ratify the deal is in its closing stages in Parliament but progress has been delayed since the President’s most recent outburst.
Under the new deal, Britain will cede control to Mauritius but lease Diego Garcia for 99 years | FLICKR
Last week, the Prime Minister insisted the Republican president initially backed the deal “in very clear terms” following sign-off by US intelligence agencies.
He pointed to public expressions of support from the US president and his top team, who praised the deal as a “monumental achievement”, securing the long-term future of the shared Diego Garcia base.
