VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Chagossians: Freedom of Expression

Asked by Priti PatelConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 4 September 2025UIN 69820

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on the potential impact of Section 76B of the Mauritian criminal code on Chagossians.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the Explanatory Memorandum for Mauritius's Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2021 (https://mauritiusassembly.govmu.org/mauritiusassembly/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/bill1621.pdf) .

It is clear that legislation applies only to persons acting under the authority or instructions of a foreign state in the production, distribution, supply or marketing of any coin, stamp, official map or official document.

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