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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Andrew RosindellReform UKMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 14 May 2025UIN 44930

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has received representations from his US counterpart on the proposed transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a wide range of security issues, including the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. We welcome US support of the UK proceeding with the proposed treaty with Mauritius, as well as the President's recognition of the strength of the deal.

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