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Mauritius: Trade Agreements

Asked by Priti PatelConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 17 March 2025UIN 36638

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the latest draft of the proposed UK-Mauritius Treaty contains provisions for the UK being authorised to exercise the sovereign rights and authorities of Mauritius on Diego Garcia.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

We will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US, including control over the electromagnetic spectrum; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. The details will be set out when the Treaty is laid before Parliament after signature.

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