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British Indian Ocean Territory 2025-04-02
02 April 2025
Lead MP
Priti Patel
Debate Type
Urgent Question
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Priti Patel raised concerns about british indian ocean territory 2025-04-02 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the status of the negotiations concerning the future sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory, including the financial implications and safeguards for the military base on Diego Garcia?
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
How many billions will taxpayers be expected to pay for leasing back territory we already own? What safeguards are in place to protect the military base from other states establishing a foothold on the archipelago?
Minister reply
We will not scrimp on our security. The deal includes full UK control over Diego Garcia, including control of the electromagnetic spectrum and a buffer zone around Diego Garcia where nothing can be built or put in place without consent.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Question
Can you confirm that under the agreement, the vital US-UK military base and its operations will remain completely unaltered?
Minister reply
The deal is rooted in a rational determination to protect UK security and that of our allies. It will protect the base on Diego Garcia which was under threat and cement the presence of the UK and the US in the Indo-Pacific.
Epsom and Ewell
Question
Will the treaty come before the House for scrutiny, especially given its importance to our national security? Are there any plans to ensure that the Chagossians are included in discussions at this eleventh hour of negotiations?
Minister reply
The treaty must come before the House for scrutiny; we deeply regret how Chagossians were removed from the islands but have worked hard to reflect their importance. The largest Chagossian group has welcomed the agreement.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Question
Will the confirmation of legal status strengthen our influence in Asia-Pacific and put us in a strong position to counter China's influence?
Minister reply
Absolutely, securing this agreement strengthens our national security and that of our allies by protecting a vital base from significant threats.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
How much will taxpayers pay for the settlement, and out of which budget will it come? Can you guarantee that at no stage will it come from the defence budget increase?
Minister reply
The terms of the treaty and funding arrangements are still being finalised. Financial obligations, including departmental responsibilities, will be managed responsibly within the Government’s fiscal framework.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Given that the United States is increasing its presence on Diego Garcia, how much will the Trump White House contribute to the endowment proposed for Mauritius?
Minister reply
The full details of costs and arrangements will be presented when we present the treaty. The US recognises the strength of this deal which protects our security in the Indo-Pacific.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Question
Will robust security provisions be put in place to secure the base?
Minister reply
I can assure you that full control over Diego Garcia will remain with the UK and US, including unrestricted access, a buffer zone around Diego Garcia, comprehensive mechanism to prevent activity on other islands from threatening operations, and ban on foreign security forces.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Question
What efforts has the Minister made to engage with Chagossians regarding their right to self-determination?
Minister reply
The islands are not permanently inhabited. The Government is engaging with various groups, including those supporting the deal and others with different opinions.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that Opposition attempts to sow division between UK and its allies are damaging our national interests?
Minister reply
Speculation has been unhelpful, but close co-operation with the US Administration helped make progress on this deal.
Sarah Bool
Con
South Northamptonshire
Question
Would the Minister cede control if a similar judgment is sought against the Falklands as in Chagos?
Minister reply
Such attempts to make false comparisons are unhelpful. Our support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Falkland Islands is absolute.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Question
Will any agreement made return to this House for scrutiny?
Minister reply
There will be multiple opportunities for both Houses to consider the matter, through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act process and a Bill brought forward to make necessary provisions under the treaty.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Question
Has the Government asked the US to contribute to the base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for them?
Minister reply
The full details will be provided when the treaty is presented to the House.
Sam Rushworth
Lab
Bishop Auckland
Question
Will this agreement close potentially dangerous routes for irregular migration and was that one of the reasons for negotiations?
Minister reply
The interim arrangement with St Helena has been important, but our primary objective is to protect national security.
St Ives
Question
Can you confirm that conversations have been held with the US about their understanding of a compensatory package and who will contribute?
Minister reply
The full details will be provided in due course, but the United States recognises the strength of this deal.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Question
Why is the money being handed over to Mauritius instead of being spent on restoring winter fuel payments and relieving social care providers?
Minister reply
We will not scrimp on national security, which is crucial for UK and US interests.
Solihull West and Shirley
Question
Can you provide specific guarantees that the Foreign Secretary has secured in relation to preventing hostile states like China from increasing their influence?
Minister reply
There will be robust security provisions including full UK control over Diego Garcia, buffer zone around Diego Garcia, and prohibition on foreign security forces on outer islands.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Question
Why is the Government giving away national security and paying billions to Mauritius?
Minister reply
We are standing up for Britain by securing the operation of this base, which is crucial to our interest and that of our allies.
Jack Rankin
Con
Windsor
Question
Critiques the deal as a surrender of sovereign territory based on a non-binding legal judgment, questioning if this exemplifies a Government for lawyers rather than British people.
Minister reply
I reject the premise that the government negotiated simply due to the ICJ opinion. The situation inherited was complex and required multiple considerations beyond just the legal advice.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
Asks for clarification on control over Diego Garcia in scenarios where US and UK defence priorities diverge, referencing previous statements from the Minister.
Minister reply
We will have full control over Diego Garcia. The operational details of US naval support facility will be provided without compromising security.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Question
Asks if the deal will come from the Ministry of Defence, given the presence of both foreign and defence ministers.
Minister reply
The Foreign Office and the MoD work closely on this matter. The treaty terms and funding arrangements are being finalised responsibly within the fiscal framework.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Raises concerns about public understanding of the financial implications, especially with pensioners questioning why funds are allocated for this deal instead of supporting them.
Minister reply
The financial element was crucial to protect operations and ensure security. The figures quoted in media may be inaccurate; investment is essential for our security.
Government Response
Government Response
I thank the right hon. Lady for her question. As we and Mauritius have repeatedly said, both sides remain committed to concluding a deal that protects the long-term effective operation of the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia. We are now working with Mauritius to finalise the agreement. Following signature, the Government will bring forward a Bill to enable implementation of the treaty, and Parliament will scrutinise it before ratification. The Government inherited a situation in which the future of the military base was under threat; this deal protects UK security and that of our allies for generations.
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