Donald Trump is set to stop Britain’s deal to give away the Chagos Islands when he returns to the White House following criticism from Republicans.

Senior Republican members of Congress warned that giving the islands to Mauritius could boost China when the deal was unveiled last month.

The Telegraph understands that Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader who is friends with Trump, has voiced criticism of the move to members of his team.

Legal advice questioning the wisdom of the move is also being pushed in Trump circles by pro-Brexit figures from the UK.

While an agreement in Mauritius was announced in October, uncertainty remains over the outcome as the treaty that needs to be signed to legally enforce the change is still being negotiated.

Joe Biden, the outgoing US president, had thrown support behind the deal. Should Trump hold a different position it could complicate efforts to lock in the agreement.