Downing Street insists treaty to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius remains on track, despite minister’s remarks and fresh objections from US President Donald Trump.

The British government has firmly denied reports that it has suspended plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, insisting there is “no pause” in the process despite earlier remarks from a senior minister.

The clarification follows comments made in the House of Commons by Foreign Office Minister Hamish Falconer, who told MPs that the UK was “suspending” the legislative process while holding discussions with the United States. His statement sparked speculation that the deal had been put on hold.

However, a government source quickly pushed back on that interpretation, saying: “There is no pause. We have never set a deadline, and any timelines will be announced in the usual way.”

Under the proposed agreement, the UK would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia — the largest island in the archipelago — for use as a joint UK-US military base. Britain would reportedly pay an average of £101 million annually for the arrangement.

The UK government is currently steering legislation through Parliament to ratify the treaty. Falconer, responding to questions from MPs, said discussions with Washington were ongoing following recent comments from US President Donald Trump.

“There was support from the US administration for this treaty, and that has not changed,” Falconer said. “However, there has been a recent statement from the President of the United States, which is significant. We are discussing those concerns directly with the United States.”

He added that the treaty would be brought back before Parliament “in due course,” stressing that engagement with American counterparts was part of the normal diplomatic process.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson also reiterated that the UK’s position remains unchanged, emphasizing that current efforts are focused on “discussions with the US on the next steps.”

The renewed scrutiny comes after President Trump publicly urged the British Prime Minister to abandon the deal. In a post on his Truth Social platform last week, Trump called on Sir Keir not to “hand over Diego Garcia,” describing the proposed transfer as a “stain on our great ally.”

“This land should not be withdrawn from the UK,” Trump wrote.

Trump’s remarks appear to contrast with the official stance of the US State Department, which had expressed support for the British government’s plan just a day earlier.

Despite the political noise, Downing Street maintains that the agreement remains on course and that talks with Washington are ongoing as part of routine diplomatic engagement.