Nigel Farage is set to visit Mar-a-Lago on Friday to personally convey the anti-Chagos deal stance to Donald Trump, amid the US president’s open disapproval of Keir Starmer, which poses a significant threat to the disputed islands agreement.
The leader of Reform UK revealed the dinner plans during Guido Fawkes’ Save Chagos Boat Party, showcasing a growing confidence in the campaign to annul the deal.
“I will be dining at Mar-a-Lago tomorrow night to emphasize the message,” Farage informed the attendees, expressing optimism about Trump’s grasp of the situation.
In a passionate critique of the Mauritius agreement, Farage denounced it as “the worst deal in history” and “a complete betrayal,” urging supporters to maintain momentum in the fight. He emphasized the need to stay vigilant and not relent in the effort to secure victory in this battle.
Farage emphasized the significance of this issue in the government’s foreign policy agenda, asserting that they are successfully pushing back against it.
The trip to Florida comes at a time of strained relations between Washington and Downing Street, with Trump openly criticizing the Prime Minister over British handling of the Middle East crisis and the Chagos matter. The tension escalated following Starmer’s initial reluctance to allow US strike missions access to RAF bases, including Diego Garcia.
Trump’s response was scathing, expressing frustration over the delay in using Diego Garcia for landing missions. He criticized Starmer, labeling him as “someone with no future” and a “loser,” marking a harsh departure from his previous statements about the Labour leader.
Regarding the Chagos deal, Trump voiced his discontent, questioning the UK’s actions and labeling the agreement as an “act of great stupidity.” He had previously condemned the deal on Truth Social, calling it a foolish decision.
Despite initial resistance, Starmer eventually relented, granting limited US operational access to RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia shortly after the initial denial. However, the concession failed to ease tensions between the two leaders, leading to a more contentious relationship.
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