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Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory
25 February 2026
Lead MP
Hamish Falconer
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 24
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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