The UK government has confirmed that the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is currently paused due to a shift in the stance of US President Donald Trump. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister Stephen Doughty stated in the House of Commons that US support is essential for the treaty to proceed. The Chagos Islands, which include the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, have been a point of contention since Mauritius gained independence in 1968. The UK and Mauritius signed an agreement last year that would allow the UK to retain control of Diego Garcia for 99 years while transferring sovereignty of the islands. However, Trump's recent comments calling the agreement an 'act of total weakness' have raised concerns about US backing, complicating the ratification process. The UK government remains committed to working with the US and Mauritius to find a resolution, despite the current lapse of the treaty implementation bill in Parliament.