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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 9 June 2025UIN 56702

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department plans to take to ensure investigations by the Government of Mauritius of criminal offences do not compromise classified military operations in Diego Garcia as defined by Article 19 of the Agreement.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end. This will ensure that military operations are not compromised in any way. Additionally, by ensuring Mauritius has jurisdiction over any future illegal migration, it will close off a dangerous immigration route.

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