Britain has transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, securing a 99-year lease on the strategically important Diego Garcia military base for £101 million annually. The deal, facing court challenges and criticism for displacing islanders, ensures continued U.S.-U.K. military operations. Prime Minister Starmer defends the agreement as vital for national security, while opponents call it a surrender of territory. The agreement includes a trust fund for Chagossian islanders but does not guarantee resettlement.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.