Trump tensions with Starmer increase over Chagos deal amid fears of nuclear weapons ban

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Diplomatic tensions are rising over Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial Chagos Islands deal, with fears the UK government is unable to guarantee whether nuclear weapons will be able to be stored at the Diego Garcia base. open image in gallery Questions are emerging over the impact of the Chagos deal on the operation of the Diego Garcia base Previously, The Independent revealed Donald Trump is seeking a way to veto the deal because of his concerns over its potential security impact. Tory shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: “We need urgent clarity from the government on whether we, and the US, will have full military autonomy on Diego Garcia, after Labour’s new settlement kicks in. Labour must immediately confirm that the defence interests of the UK and its allies will not be compromised by their decision to surrender sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.” In a written answer to shadow defence minister Mark Francois, defence minister Luke Pollard said: “The agreement with Mauritius has been negotiated based on international law with regards to both parties’ obligations under international law.