US security services backed Chagos deal, insists Starmer

THE Prime Minister risked infuriating Donald Trump further over the Chagos “surrender” after insisting American security services rubber-stamped the deal.

- BY MARTYN BROWN

Earlier this month, the US president called the decision to hand sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, “stupid” and an “act of total weakness”.

But Sir Keir Starmer hit back at the remarks, accusing Mr Trump of using them to stoke up his bid to claim Greenland, in the first clash between the pair. Yesterday he doubled down, claiming US spooks approved the plans.

The Tories and Reform UK oppose the deal, with leaders Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage lobbying the US hard in recent weeks, warning of the security dangers as Mauritius is seen to be a close ally of China.