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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 5 June 2025UIN 54634

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11(1)(b) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025) and the Exchange of Letters concerning Article 11 of the Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago, whether beneficiaries of the trust fund established for Chagossians will include (a) British Chagossians and (b) Mauritian citizens; and if he will set out the criteria that will govern the determination of eligibility.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum, the UK will capitalise a Trust Fund established by Mauritius for the benefit of Chagossians. The Mauritian Government will oversee the fund, but the UK will work with them to develop its details during implementation discussions. Separately, Chagossian communities in the UK will continue to benefit from projects delivered by the UK Government.

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