VerbatimParliament, as it happens

USA: Military Bases

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 12 March 2026UIN 117754

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks, of 1 March 2026, whether it is the policy position of HM Government that UK Government could have given permission to permit the use of the US Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands for the United States to launch its pre-emptive strikes on Iran.

Answered by Al Carns

The United States' operational use of Diego Garcia is governed by an Exchange of Notes between the UK and the USA.

The potential use of any UK base or base on UK sovereign territory by foreign military forces for operational purposes is closely considered to ensure that we are content with their proposed activities taking place on/from those bases.

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