British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Question

The MP questioned the Government’s eagerness to surrender strategic assets despite repeated assurances from Ministers about national support. She inquired why details were kept secret and sought clarification on extending the lease, autonomy of operations, safeguards against foreign forces establishing near Diego Garcia, annual costs to taxpayers over 99 years, funding sources, economic partnership, trust fund for Chagossian people, aspects reconsidered by new Mauritian Government and protection of Chagossians’ views.

Question

The MP asked about conversations between the Minister and Mauritian Government regarding potential imprisonment under Mauritian criminal code for questioning territorial integrity, including Chagos archipelago. He wanted to ensure British Chagossians can visit Chagos if the deal goes through.

Question

The MP questioned the wisdom of announcing an agreement weeks before elections in Mauritius and US, suggested scrutiny and vote before signature for any future agreements. He asked how Chagossian people will be represented in talks and if there would be an apology and assurance about migrant treatment and camp closure.

Question

The MP asked if the Minister could confirm that no concerns were raised by American military or security services since the agreement was announced.

Question

Will the Minister answer this with a simple yes or no? Did the Prime Minister, the right hon. and learned Member for Holborn and St Pancras (Keir Starmer), have any conversations with Philippe Sands KC about Diego Garcia without the presence of Foreign Office or other Government civil servants?

Question

For those of us who have served for the US military, who retain genuine and close links with the US military, and who know that this issue does not bring about the concern that others are trying to conflate with it, will the Minister say what his view is on how it is seen by our US military friends?

Question

Can the Minister enlighten us as to the attitude on the deal of the incoming Trump Administration? Does he know, or shall I ask the hon. Member for Clacton (Nigel Farage)?

Question

I know that the Minister is a strong supporter of the overseas territories, as are the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister. Despite this being documented already in the House and in Gibraltar, to avoid any doubt or further scaremongering, and for Members on the Opposition Benches, will the Minister once again confirm that this Government are completely committed to supporting the right of self-determination for the people of Gibraltar and the Falklands?

Question

It is truly baffling that such decent Ministers have allowed themselves to be bamboozled by the blob. Will the Minister confirm that this is not being rushed through in advance of the takeover of the White House by an incoming President in one month’s time? If, in one month’s time, that new President says that this is a terrible deal, will it be too late to change it?

Question

What assurances can the Minister provide Parliament about the scrutiny that the agreements, which will be struck in due course, will receive?

Question

The Minister gets ahead of himself. He says the Government have moved at pace to resolve the situation; the situation is not resolved.

Question

Does the Minister agree that confirming the legal status of the base, which was left outstanding by the previous Government, will cement our role in the Indo-Pacific and provide an important pillar in our strategy to counter Chinese influence in the area?

Question

The Government clearly want to dismantle legacies of empire. Why, then, do we think it is so important to attach the Chagos islands to Mauritius when, in fact, that link was only established when both territories were acquired by the French empire and later by the British empire? Why do we not listen to the Chagossians, instead of imposing the legacy of empire on them?

Question

The current situation is clearly unsustainable. Most of the negotiations took place under the previous Administration. It is now becoming a political football.

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I will repeat the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Bicester and Woodstock (Calum Miller), which the Minister studiously avoided.

Question

May I wish you a merry Christmas, Mr Speaker?

Question

I have just returned, hotfoot, from a very full Mar-a-Lago. I spoke to several members—senior administrators, especially—of the incoming Administration, which will be in the White House in 32 days’ time.

Question

Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker. The Minister says that views across the Chagossian community are mixed.

Question

As a long-time advocate for the Chagossians, Jeremy Corbyn asserts that they were unfairly treated and removed from their islands in 1968. He asks if the Minister will confirm that the right of return and settlement will be upheld for Chagossians.

Question

Bob Blackman questions whether there have been changes in the deal and if media reports suggesting a new Prime Minister of Mauritius believes the deal is inadequate are accurate. He asks for a pause in negotiations to reassess terms.

Question

Jeremy Wright seeks clarity on the legal jeopardy perceived by the Government in negotiating with Mauritius, given that International Court of Justice judgments are not binding for Commonwealth members.

Question

Caroline Dinenage expresses concerns about commitments to overseas territories' self-determination and asks which Ministers have visited the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Question

David Mundell criticises the timing of the announcement as a diplomatic gaffe, suggesting that Mauritius's new Labour Government would be wary of intentions.

Question

Bradley Thomas inquires about measures to safeguard against the emergence of Chinese military and surveillance capabilities in BIOT.

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Mike Wood asks from which budget annual payments will be made to the Mauritian Government.

Question

Neil Hudson criticises the decision as a rush without regard for expert advice or Chagossian wishes and suggests scrapping the deal to maintain British control.

Question

Jim Shannon asks about discussions to ensure descendants of BIOT residents can register as British citizens and that Chagossians receive timely information.