Donald Trump could buy Chagos Islands if Keir Starmer's deal with Mauritius collapses

President Donald Trump could buy the Chagos Islands if Sir Keir Starmer's deal with Mauritius collapses.

US sources have alluded that the idea should be seriously considered after ministers insisted the American purchase of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean would not happen.

This comes after the US President flip-flopped his stance on the UK-Mauritius deal over the Chagos Islands - initially backing it, but then U-turning, eventually calling it "a great act of stupidity".

The Chagos Islands, a group of seven atolls comprising of move than 60 islands, is the home of Diego Garcia, a joint UK-US military base.

Under the deal with Mauritius, the UK would hand over the Chagos Islands to the East African nation and take out a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia, at an average cost of £101million a year.

However, US insiders have told the Sun that the White House is exploring other options in case the agreement collapses.

One American official said the ideal should be "taken seriously - until you don't".

They added: "While it wouldn't be the first course of action if things get bogged down and frustration rise, the White House definitely doesn't see it as impossible."

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