Britain’s government said on Saturday it had ⁠put on hold ⁠its deal to cede sovereignty ⁠of the Chagos Islands – home to the US-British Diego Garcia airbase – which has been criticised by US President Donald Trump.

British media reported that planned legislation underpinning the deal to cede the ‌islands to Mauritius, which needs the backing of Washington, would not be included in the government’s next parliamentary agenda.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office said London would try to persuade Washington to give its formal approval.

Trump said in February that the deal was a “big mistake”, having previously said it was the best that Starmer would get.

Under the deal, Britain would ‌retain control of the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia on a 99-year lease that preserves US operations there.

A ‌British government spokesperson said ensuring the long-term operational security of Diego ⁠Garcia would remain ⁠a priority.