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Diego Garcia Treaty and associated Bill
13 April 2026
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Defence
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about diego garcia treaty and associated bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
The amendment supports the Diego Garcia treaty, which ensures the legal certainty for future operations of the military base on Diego Garcia. It protects UK national security interests by maintaining operational freedom while providing important safeguards against external threats. The treaty has been negotiated in close coordination with the United States and received consistent support from US administrations.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Stressed the critical importance of Diego Garcia mil [3D [K military base to UK national security, emphasising that the treaty ensures [K operational freedom while protecting against external threats. Acknowledged [12D [K Acknowledged historical wrongs towards Chagossians but argued for continued [9D [K continued US cooperation despite recent political uncertainties.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Critiqued the Labour Government's handling of the tr [2D [K treaty negotiations, arguing that it jeopardizes British sovereignty and se [2D [K security interests. Emphasised Conservative opposition to the deal at every [5D [K every stage and highlighted concerns about the £35 billion cost and potenti [7D [K potential threats from Mauritius deepening ties with Russia, China, and Ira [3D [K Iran.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Questions the rationale behind giving Diego Garcia b [1D [K back to Mauritius for a lease of £35 billion. Expresses concern that the Ma [2D [K Mauritian Government is closer aligned with states hostile to UK interests, [10D [K interests, causing confusion and undermining national security.
Stephen Doughty
Lab
Cardiff South and Penarth
Defends the treaty as critical for UK's national sec [3D [K security and that of its allies, stating it has been approved by Five Eyes [K partners. Reiterates that the Government's duty is to protect citizens and [K allies.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Welcomes the withdrawal of the Bill, questions if it [2D [K it will be officially withdrawn. Asks if any payments will be made to Mauri [5D [K Mauritius outside of the treaty.
Asks for a referendum on future constitutional chang [5D [K changes affecting the Chagos islands and questions why the Government does [K not recognise Chagossians' right to abode there.
Welcomes the provision in the budget for paying for [K the treaty and asks if funds now set aside will go into the defence budget. [7D [K budget.
Presses the Minister on whether a single penny will [K be paid to Mauritius outside of the treaty obligations.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Questions what steps the Government and Minister wil [3D [K will take to engage with those who are disenfranchised due to the treaty's [K failure.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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