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British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty
18 December 2024
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 28
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about british indian ocean territory: sovereignty 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:
Government Statement
The Minister welcomed the Prime Minister of Mauritius's willingness to conclude a deal with the UK. He mentioned that Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister’s BIOT envoy, met with PM Ramgoolam in November, followed by a visit from the UK’s chief negotiator Harriet Mathews and other officials last week for talks which were productive. The agreement aims to protect the base at proportionate cost, supported by US and India due to robust security arrangements including preventing foreign forces on outer islands and ensuring secure operations. The treaty will be finalised, followed by a Bill for implementation, allowing both Houses of Parliament to scrutinise it before ratification.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
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.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that the deal protects UK’s security interests, not damages them. He clarified that the agreement does not give up Diego Garcia but secures its operation against legal uncertainty for the next century.
Peter Lamb
Lab
Crawley
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.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the deal provides resettlement opportunities for Chagossians and stated efforts will be made to facilitate visits by them.
Calum Miller
Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
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.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that the interests of Chagossians were at heart of the deal, mentioned inheritance of a troubling situation unresolved by previous administrations, and confirmed careful consideration of recent judgment.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
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.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed there have been warm welcomes from US security apparatus as it secures shared operations into the future.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
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?
Minister reply
I do not have details of all the Prime Minister’s meetings. I am sure the right hon. Gentleman can ask the Prime Minister that question himself.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
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?
Minister reply
I praise my hon. Friend for his service and work. I am very clear: our allies in the United States and, indeed, our other allies who rely on the important guarantees that the base provides are supportive of the deal.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
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)?
Minister reply
We very much welcome, as I have said before, the election of President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance. During the transition period, there are restrictions on what conversations can go on.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
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?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for her important work on Gibraltar, as I thank you for yours, Mr Speaker. I have said this before and I will confirm again that we are absolutely and resolutely committed to the sovereignty and self-determination of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
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?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman knows that I have immense respect for him and his work in this House. I take issue with his choice of words.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Question
What assurances can the Minister provide Parliament about the scrutiny that the agreements, which will be struck in due course, will receive?
Minister reply
As I have said a number of times in the House, the treaty, once signed, will go through the normal procedures in the House.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
The Minister gets ahead of himself. He says the Government have moved at pace to resolve the situation; the situation is not resolved.
Minister reply
I have repeatedly stated a number of positive things, including the support for Chagossians that will be inherent in the deal.
Steve Race
Lab
Exeter
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?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
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?
Minister reply
I have engaged with many Chagossian groups.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
Question
The current situation is clearly unsustainable. Most of the negotiations took place under the previous Administration. It is now becoming a political football.
Minister reply
No, I have not, and I certainly have not heard them from the Opposition Benches.
Edward Morello
Lib Dem
West Dorset
Question
I will repeat the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Bicester and Woodstock (Calum Miller), which the Minister studiously avoided.
Minister reply
When we are looking to protect the national security of this country, we will operate at the fastest and most appropriate pace that we can.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Question
May I wish you a merry Christmas, Mr Speaker?
Minister reply
It is absolutely right that the House scrutinises these matters and it will continue to have the opportunity to do so in a range of forums;
Nigel Farage
Reform
Clacton
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.
Minister reply
We have been very clear that these negotiations are between the United Kingdom and Mauritius.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Merry Christmas, Mr Speaker. The Minister says that views across the Chagossian community are mixed.
Minister reply
I have engaged with the Chagossian community twice in recent months, as I have made clear in answers to a number of parliamentary questions tabled by the right hon. Gentleman’s colleagues.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
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.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty acknowledges the regrettable history but confirms that visits to all islands, including Diego Garcia, are part of the programme with appropriate safeguards. He also expresses hope for resettlement on outer islands.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
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.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty clarifies that nothing has changed fundamentally, as Mauritius remains willing to conclude an agreement. The incoming Mauritian Government's review and scrutiny of the agreement are natural post-election actions.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
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.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty declines to disclose specific legal advice but challenges Jeremy Wright on the initiation of negotiations under his government if there was no issue.
Gosport
Question
Caroline Dinenage expresses concerns about commitments to overseas territories' self-determination and asks which Ministers have visited the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty finds it unhelpful to compare situations and reassures that no Government would undermine Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands. He mentions visits by relevant ministers to these territories.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
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.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty rejects this characterisation entirely.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Question
Bradley Thomas inquires about measures to safeguard against the emergence of Chinese military and surveillance capabilities in BIOT.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty confirms that there are provisions within the agreement to ensure security of the outer islands, addressing fears regarding China's role.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Mike Wood asks from which budget annual payments will be made to the Mauritian Government.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty refuses to disclose details, stating that this information will be provided in due course.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
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.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty counters by suggesting that Neil Hudson's party failed on numerous issues, implying this Government is rectifying past mistakes.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Jim Shannon asks about discussions to ensure descendants of BIOT residents can register as British citizens and that Chagossians receive timely information.
Minister reply
Stephen Doughty expresses respect for Jim Shannon's position and confirms ongoing engagement with Chagossian communities, emphasising their interests in the deal.
Shadow Comment
Priti Patel
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Foreign Secretary criticised the Government's secrecy about the lease details and questioned the justification of claims that the deal is in national security interest. She asked for confirmation on extending the lease, autonomy of operations, safeguards against other countries establishing themselves near Diego Garcia, annual costs to British taxpayers over 99 years, funding sources, economic partnership, trust fund for Chagossian people, aspects the new Mauritian Government wishes to reconsider and protection of Chagossians’ views. She accused Labour of risking security, ignoring Chagossians and damaging Britain's standing.
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