Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have agreed to ensure the continued operation of the crucial UK-US military base on the Chagos Islands, Downing Street has confirmed. The leaders committed to "continue working closely to guarantee the future operation" of the facility, marking their first known discussion on the matter since Mr Trump’s strong criticism of the UK’s handover deal last month.
A No 10 spokeswoman, in a readout of their Tuesday call, stated: "Turning to Diego Garcia, and the deal the UK has secured to maintain control of the US-UK military base to protect national security, the leaders recognised its strategic importance. The leaders agreed their governments would continue working closely to guarantee the future operation of the base and speak again soon."
