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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 4 June 2025UIN 54008

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the proposed deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands amends the status of (a) the waters of the British Indian Ocean Territory's Water and (b) the Blue Belt Programme.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The agreement will be supported by an enhanced partnership between the UK and Mauritius on conservation. This partnership will prioritise high conservation standards, with the UK supporting Mauritius' ambitions to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) that protects the globally significant ecosystems in the Chagos Archipelago.

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