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Diego Garcia: Military Bases

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 9 June 2025UIN 54645

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what mechanisms will be used to resolve conflicts of the environmental regulations of the Government of Mauritius.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Under the agreement, the UK shall be responsible for environmental protection on Diego Garcia and the surrounding 12 nautical miles. This shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable international law, and with due regard to applicable Mauritian environmental laws, but Mauritius will not be able to place environmental restrictions on marine activities within that area. Beyond 12 nautical miles, the UK shall provide support and assistance to Mauritius in the establishment and management of a Marine Protected Area. This support shall be agreed before entry into force of the treaty. Any future issues that may arise as a result of the environmental regulations of Mauritius shall be resolved through the Joint Commission, as described in Annex 3.

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