The Maldives has formally demanded talks with Prime Minister Andy Burnham over the future of the Chagos Islands, reasserting its own sovereignty interest in the archipelago at a moment when Labour's planned handover of the territory to Mauritius has stalled. President Mohamed Muizzu wrote to Burnham citing the Maldives' historical and cultural ties to Chagos, adding a new complication to a deal already thrown into doubt after the United States withdrew its backing.

Under the UK-Mauritius agreement, Britain would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while leasing back the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years, at a cost estimated by ministers at £3.4billion but by critics at up to £35billion. The deal's ratification has stalled since Donald Trump turned against it following a row with former PM Keir Starmer, and Trump has suggested Burnham "will have a look" at the agreement. Muizzu's office said he wants dialogue on Chagos sovereignty, noting the Maldives' proximity (around 800 miles from Diego Garcia) and its role in regional marine conservation, while Burnham's retention of deal architect Jonathan Powell as national security adviser has fuelled speculation he may still try to push the agreement through Parliament.