White House wades into Badenoch-Farage row over the Chagos Islands

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in White House wades into Badenoch-Farage row over the Chagos Islands Athena Stavrou Wednesday 14 October 2026 13:11 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Trump hits out at 'terrible' Chagos deal in first meeting with Burnham Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested offering the US perpetual access to the Diego Garcia military base in exchange for Donald Trump remaining silent on the Falklands . Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the proposal as humiliating, accusing Mr Farage of giving away British territory. A White House official defended Mr Farage's comments and accused Mrs Badenoch of peddling fake news. Leaders of the Chagossian government in exile backed Mr Farage, supporting US presence on Diego Garcia alongside British sovereignty. The political dispute occurs as Argentina increases diplomatic pressure and legal challenges against British sovereignty in the Falkland Islands. In full Badenoch and Farage embroiled in furious row over Falklands and Chagos Islands