Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory

25 February 2026 · 24 other contributors

Opened by Hamish Falconer Lab Lincoln

Defence

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Hamish Falconer raised concerns about diego garcia and british indian ocean territory in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Government's objective is to secure the long-term operation of the military base on Diego Garcia, which is critical for national security.
  • The deal negotiated with Mauritius aims to maintain the vital military asset against threats and ensures continued UK-US joint operations.
  • Extensive talks with the US have been conducted, ensuring support from two Administrations.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Hamish Falconer

The Government's objective is to secure the long-term operation of the military base on Diego Garcia, which is critical for national security and helps keep British people safe. The deal negotiated with Mauritius aims to maintain this vital military asset against threats and ensures continued UK-US joint operations. Despite concerns about sovereignty transfer and legal issues raised by previous governments, extensive talks with the US have been conducted, ensuring support from two Administrations and a signed treaty in May last year. The Government acknowledges sympathy for the Chagossian community but emphasises the strategic necessity of maintaining Diego Garcia's secure operation.

Other contributors (24)
  • Nigel Farage Reform Clacton

    Question

    The British Government misled America on the legal necessity of giving away Chagos Islands. The cost could be £50 billion, and there are historical links between Maldives and Chagos Islands which may lead to a counterclaim by the Maldives in the International Court of Justice.

    Minister reply

    The minister assures that extensive talks were held with the US Government on this issue, contrary to Farage's claims. The treaty has been discussed thoroughly in Parliament and will go through the full parliamentary process.

  • Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

    Question

    Will international law apply to Diego Garcia regarding ownership or use by UK military or Americans?

    Minister reply

    The UK Government will continue to abide by international law.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    Question

    Can the Minister confirm no payments under the strategic partnership treaty until ratification is complete? What legal position with US regarding UNCLOS article 298? Will Bill be suspended till legal issues are resolved?

    Minister reply

    The treaty will go through full parliamentary process, and discussions continue with the Americans. No specific confirmation on suspending the Bill.

  • Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South

    Question

    Is it a great pity that current negotiations are not under Mr Speaker's control? Will Labour reconsider in light of yearly cost £100 million?

    Minister reply

    The issues have been discussed many times, and the treaty will go through full parliamentary process as expected. The Government is four-square behind sovereignty of Falklands and Gibraltar.

  • Al Pinkerton Lib Dem Surrey Heath

    Question

    Asks about the status of negotiations regarding Chagos Archipelago and expresses concern over recent actions by another MP that trivialise a serious situation, questioning if these actions highlight a vacuum created by the government's failure in securing support for Chagossians.

    Minister reply

    States negotiations are ongoing with discussions paused for consultations with the US.

  • Alex Ballinger Lab Halesowen

    Question

    Questions about penalties for unauthorized trips to British Indian Ocean Territory, implying criticism of another MP's recent adventure there.

    Minister reply

    Declines to comment on specific legal consequences but implies it is not a matter for urgent questioning.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Question

    Asks about the applicability of article 298 of UNCLOS and its relevance to British security matters like Gibraltar and Falkland Islands.

    Minister reply

    Refuses to comment due to complexity, suggests detailed discussion during bill passage.

  • Noah Law Lab St Austell and Newquay

    Question

    Questions the government's response if Labour party members had lobbied a foreign government against British security interests.

    Minister reply

    Surprised by vigour of opposition seeking to undermine process, suggests political disputes should be handled domestically.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Asks if judicial review proceedings will halt any steps in the matter until resolved.

    Minister reply

    Refers question to relevant Minister during bill passage process, not urgent context of urgent question.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    Question

    Critiques a particular MP's recent trip to the British Indian Ocean Territory and questions if it distracts from local campaigning efforts.

    Minister reply

    Declines to comment on specific MP’s activities, suggests travel was not serious contribution to debate.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Questions the logic of a recent trip to British Indian Ocean Territory, suggesting it undermines military base status.

    Minister reply

    Declines to comment on bill details due to its complexity during parliamentary process.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Asks about US potential use of the base for military operations and criticises another MP's recent trip.

    Minister reply

    Declines to comment on hypotheticals or ongoing military operations, reassures treaty is only valid post-parliamentary passage.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Critiques the cost of proposed policy and its impact on constituents facing rising bills.

    Minister reply

    Defends prioritisation of national security, citing support from local constituents in Lincolnshire.

  • David Reed Con Exmouth and Exeter East

    Question

    Questions if sensitive information regarding the deal's purpose can be declassified to inform public debate on cost.

    Minister reply

    Declines to declassify information, citing national security concerns.

  • Andrew Rosindell Con Romford

    Question

    Questioned the Minister about the distance between Île du Coin and Diego Garcia, emphasising that the Chagossian people are British and should have the right of self-determination.

    Minister reply

    Responded by stating that the territory is within the British Indian Ocean Territory, subject to British law. Mentioned disagreement in the Chagossian community about representation.

  • Oliver Dowden Con Hertsmere

    Question

    Asked why the Government continues to burn political capital with the US Administration over this issue rather than pausing it.

    Minister reply

    Clarified that there is support from the current US Administration for the treaty and they are discussing concerns directly. Mentioned a pause in discussions while addressing the situation.

  • John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings

    Question

    Critiqued misleading statements about international sanctions, suggesting that the Government misled Parliament.

    Minister reply

    Responded by noting that this is a complex area of law and committed to writing on the specifics regarding article 298.

  • Jim Allister TUV North Antrim

    Question

    Asked about alleged threats from international tribunals against UK if they did not approve the treaty.

    Minister reply

    Cited US Secretary Hegseth's support for the deal, emphasising the necessity of addressing real problems and seeking solutions.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    Asked how much political capital the Government is willing to burn with the US Administration over this issue.

    Minister reply

    Asserted that Britain's national interests and security will guide decisions, even if it means disagreeing with allies.

  • Rebecca Paul Con Reigate

    Question

    Asked whether permission was given to the US for using Diego Garcia in military operations against Iran.

    Minister reply

    Avoided providing specific operational details, citing reasons of national security.

  • Katie Lam Con Weald of Kent

    Question

    Critiqued the Government's decision to sign off on a costly agreement without proper thought.

    Minister reply

    Noted that discussions had been ongoing for years, including under Conservative Governments.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Question

    Asked about Jonathan Powell's meetings regarding the Chagos deal and his security clearance.

    Minister reply

    Responded by stating that talks started during Labour Government in 2009, but will check records. Mentioned that strong opposition was not shown while Conservatives were in power.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Asked about discussions held to correct any belief that UK does not stand fully with American allies.

    Minister reply

    Noted security discussions between the US and UK, while emphasising efforts towards a diplomatic solution regarding Iran.

Shadow Comment

Nigel Farage

The Reform UK Member criticises the Government's actions, arguing that they misled America about the legal necessity to give away Chagos Islands. The cost of £50 billion and ongoing mistreatment of Chagossians are highlighted as major concerns. Additionally, historical links between Maldives and Chagos Islands suggest a potential counterclaim from the Maldives in the International Court of Justice, urging the Government to pause all actions.

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