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Diego Garcia: Military Bases

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 23 June 2025UIN 59813

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025], if he will outline how the Agreement will ensure the long-term (a) secure and (b) effective operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Treaty means that the UK will retain full operational control over Diego Garcia, and there are robust security provisions in place for the base and the rest of the Chagos Archipelago. Mauritius is committed to uphold the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base, and there is a binding obligation on them not to undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the base.

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