Burnham seeks resolution on Diego Garcia base dispute

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with his Mauritian counterpart Navin Ramgoolam on Monday, pledging to work toward a resolution on the disputed status of the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Britain agreed last year to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after over two centuries of control, while retaining a 99-year lease for Diego Garcia and its strategic military base. However, the legislation needed to implement the deal was suspended due to US opposition, with President Donald Trump calling it a "big mistake." Burnham emphasized his commitment to work with Mauritius and the US on a path forward that ensures the base's operation and protects UK national security. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact, with their foreign ministers set to meet at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.