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British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 24 February 2025UIN 30972

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to revoke the status of the British Indian Ocean Territories as British Overseas Territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The political agreement, reached between the UK and Mauritius in October 2024, will need to be underpinned by a Treaty which, once signed, will be made public and put before both Houses for scrutiny consistent with the obligations under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act. Following signature, the Government intends to bring forward a Bill to make the necessary amendments to current legislation to implement the Treaty.

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