Mauritius Rejects UK Chagos Islands Deal

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to abandon the proposed Chagos Islands deal after Mauritius's new government rejected the terms set in October, demanding a reopening of negotiations. Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the agreement, particularly regarding financial compensation for the Diego Garcia military base. Ramgoolam confirmed that his administration has submitted a counter-proposal to the UK, which has responded with its own suggestions. The UK government is keen to finalize the deal before Donald Trump's potential return to the White House, which adds urgency to the situation. Critics, including Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, argue that the deal needs to be revisited and that the UK's negotiations have been inadequate. This development poses a significant embarrassment for Starmer amid his struggling popularity and the ongoing economic crisis in the UK.