Downing Street said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday 3 February 2026. The leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine and the joint UK–US base on Diego Garcia, agreeing their governments would continue working closely to guarantee the base’s future operation and to speak again soon. (gov.uk)
On Ukraine, the readout highlighted overnight Russian strikes on critical national infrastructure, including energy systems, during severe winter conditions with temperatures below minus 20C. The language underscored concern for civilian resilience as attacks coincide with peak energy demand. (gov.uk)
On Diego Garcia, the reference to a “deal to maintain control” relates to the UK–Mauritius treaty signed on 22 May 2025. Government statements describe the arrangement as securing the long‑term operation of the strategically important joint base and retaining full UK operational control. (gov.uk)
The treaty was presented to Parliament on 22 May 2025 as Command Paper CP 1334, with an explanatory memorandum. Official material sets out provisions including a 24‑nautical‑mile controlled buffer around the atoll, joint decision‑making to prevent disruptive activities on the outer islands, and a prohibition on foreign security forces across the wider territory. (gov.uk)
To implement the agreement in domestic law, the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill has moved through Parliament. The House of Lords completed third reading on 12 January 2026, and the bill entered “ping‑pong” on 26 January for consideration of Commons amendments. (parliament.uk)
Parliamentary scrutiny has included treaty examination by the House of Lords International Agreements Committee, which concluded the agreement protects the ability of the UK and US to operate the base for so long as the treaty remains in force, while noting areas that are not ideal. (parliament.uk)
For defence planners and contractors, the government’s description of the deal indicates greater operational certainty: a defined perimeter and restrictions on third‑country forces on outer islands, alongside safeguards for communications and spectrum management intended to limit interference and reduce operational risk. (gov.uk)
The 3 February call confirms ongoing UK–US coordination on Ukraine and on ensuring the base’s continued operation. Next steps to watch are further bilateral readouts and the final stages of the implementing bill in Parliament, after which any required secondary legislation may follow. (gov.uk)