VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Priti PatelConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 17 September 2025UIN 75281

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will publish all the estimates he received on the financial costs of the UK-Mauritius Treaty from the Government Actuary's Department since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The cost of the Diego Garcia military base agreement in today's money is £101 million while the net present value over 99 years is £3.4 billion. These figures have been verified by the Government Actuary's Department and draw on long-established methodology to account for long-term projects. Full details are in the Explanatory Memorandum which was laid alongside the Treaty.

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