UK Rejects Trump’s Remarks on Chagos Islands, Defends Diego Garcia Security Deal

Civil Talk TV

20 Jan, 2026

The United Kingdom has firmly rejected recent comments made by former US President regarding the , stressing that it will not compromise on national security and that its actions are aimed at safeguarding long-term strategic interests. The response comes amid renewed international attention on the future of , a key military base located in the Indian Ocean.

A UK government spokesperson, reacting to Trump’s remarks, said Britain acted out of necessity to protect the Diego Garcia base after a series of court decisions weakened the country’s legal position. According to the spokesperson, those rulings could have prevented the base from operating as intended in the future, creating serious risks for both UK and allied security interests.

“The UK will never compromise on our national security,” the spokesperson said. “We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it operating as intended in future.”

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia

Diego Garcia is one of the most strategically significant military installations in the world. Operated jointly by the United States and the United Kingdom, the base plays a crucial role in regional security, intelligence gathering, and military logistics across the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and East Africa.

British officials argue that maintaining uninterrupted operations at Diego Garcia is essential not only for the UK and the US, but also for the wider international security framework. The new agreement related to the Chagos Islands, they say, ensures long-term stability and legal certainty for the base.

“This deal secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations,” the spokesperson added, highlighting that the agreement includes strong provisions to preserve the base’s unique capabilities and prevent hostile actors from gaining influence in the region.

International Support for the Deal

The UK government has emphasized that the agreement has received broad international backing. According to officials, it has been publicly welcomed by the United States, Australia, and all other Five Eyes intelligence allies. In addition, key international partners such as India, Japan, and South Korea have also expressed support.

This level of endorsement, London argues, demonstrates that the deal is not a unilateral move but part of a wider effort to ensure regional and global security. British policymakers see Diego Garcia as a cornerstone of collective defense arrangements, particularly at a time of rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Trump’s Comments and Political Context

Donald Trump’s remarks on the Chagos Islands have sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic. While details of his comments have not been fully elaborated by UK officials, his intervention has reopened discussions about sovereignty, military basing rights, and the future of the archipelago.

The Chagos Islands have long been a sensitive issue, especially following international legal challenges and rulings related to their status. Human rights groups and some international bodies have criticized the historical displacement of Chagossians, while the UK has maintained that strategic security considerations must remain paramount.

UK Stands Firm on Security Policy

In its response, the UK government made clear that it sees no contradiction between upholding international partnerships and defending national interests. Officials insist that the agreement ensures continued cooperation with allies while addressing legal vulnerabilities that could have threatened the base’s future.

By pushing back against Trump’s comments, London appears keen to reassure allies and partners that its commitment to Diego Garcia remains unchanged. The message is also directed at adversaries, signaling that the UK and its allies intend to keep the base operational and secure for decades to come.

As geopolitical competition intensifies, the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia are likely to remain at the center of strategic discussions. For now, the UK’s position is clear: national security comes first, and the future of the Diego Garcia base is non-negotiable.