VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Priti PatelConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 6 December 2024UIN 16726

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he expects to conclude negotiations with Mauritius on the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory before 20 January 2025.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

This agreement is in the shared interests of both Mauritius and the UK, including by ensuring the long-term and effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. It has been welcomed by our mutual partners the US and India and opens a new era of security and economic cooperation. We look forward to working with the new Mauritian Government to finalise the Treaty and will update the house in due course on timelines for signature and laying of the Treaty following the usual process.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim