The UK government maintains that a deal regarding the Chagos Islands is imminent, despite new demands from Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam for improved terms. The agreement would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to retain a 99-year lease on the military base at Diego Garcia. Critics, including Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, express concerns about national security and the deal’s implications. The UK Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty argues the agreement protects UK interests and has garnered support from the US.