Sir Keir Starmer stressed the importance of safeguarding the Anglo-US military base on the Chagos Islands from "malign influence". He made this stern warning during his first conversation with the Prime Minister of Mauritius as he awaits a decision from Donald Trump regarding the contentious handover of the islands.

It seems like a country friendly with China is set to gain control of an archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The UK Prime Minister and Navin Ramgoolam reaffirmed their dedication to the agreement, according to Downing Street, following the UK's recent concessions.

The decision is currently on hold, pending Donald Trump's decision which can potentially jeopardise the security of the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from No. 10 Downing Street reported that the leaders reflected on their initial months in office and expressed enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the UK and Mauritius.

'The Prime Minister underlined the need for a deal to secure the military base on Diego Garcia that ensures strong protections, including from malign influence and that will allow the base to continue to operate.'

Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge criticised the decision, stating, "Paying for the privilege of surrendering the Chagos Islands represents terrible value for money." He further condemned the move, calling it "especially disgraceful" since the government has not yet disclosed the agreement's details to Parliament or the British public. 'The Prime Minister must do the right thing and heed our calls to cancel this dreadful deal in the national interest.'

Tory peer Lord Kempsell remarked that the summary of the conversation between the leaders indicated the agreement is "currently dead." He further stated online, "Am told major objections from US administration are in play."

Meanwhile, President Trump has yet to make a public statement regarding Britain's proposal to compensate Mauritius with an estimated £9 billion to maintain the military base for the next 99 years while simultaneously losing sovereignty over the entire Chagos Islands.

Regardless, his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, reportedly used his initial phone conversation with Foreign Secretary David Lammy to question the handover conditions.

During the call, Rubio and Lammy are said to have talked about "China's malign influence," using the same term as the Prime Minister had in his discussion.