VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 5 June 2025UIN 54685

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(d) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what criteria will be used to determine authorisations permitting the presence of non-United Kingdom, non-United States or non-Mauritian security forces, either civilian or military in the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia as defined in paragraph 11 of Annex 1.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The authorisation of any non-UK, non-US or non-Mauritian security forces will be agreed jointly between the UK and Mauritius. This means that it can only happen if the UK agrees. Our approach on that will be determined by an analysis of whether the presence would risk undermining, prejudicing or otherwise interfering with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim