Chagos Archipelago Sovereignty 2025-06-24
2025-06-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP questioned the necessity of a deal with Mauritius to secure UK-US military base access, disputing government claims about international bodies' influence.
What changes were made to the draft agreement to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos islands to Mauritius between October 2024 and May 2025?
I thoroughly reject that statement by the right hon. Gentleman. He knows that I have a lot of respect for him, but I am afraid that he is completely mistaken on this. The fact is that the courts were already making decisions that undermined our position, legally binding provisional measures could have come within weeks, affecting the operational ability of the base to function as it was, and we believe that an inevitable binding judgment would have followed. The deal has been done and this House is now scrutinising it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for changes made to the draft agreement between specific dates; the Minister addressed a broader context of legal challenges without specifying changes.
Addressed Context But Not Specifics
Challenging Questioner'S Assumption
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP inquired about the Department's assessment of potential impacts from a treaty with Mauritius concerning sovereignty.
What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the treaty with Mauritius on the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago on the UK?
As the Foreign Secretary has made absolutely clear, there was no UK involvement in the US strikes on Iran. The hon. Gentleman will understand that we do not comment on private conversations with our allies or on hypothetical operations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked about impacts of a treaty; the Minister discussed unrelated matters involving military actions and confidentiality.
Changed Subject
Discussed Irrelevant Topic
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP sought details on the funding to be allocated to Mauritius as part of an agreement concerning the Chagos archipelago.
How much and what proportion of the funding due to be allocated to Mauritius as part of the agreement concerning the Chagos archipelago will come from his Department?
I have set out the costs very clearly. They average out at £101 million over the course of the deal. That compares very favourably with, for example, what France pays for its military facility in Djibouti. This treaty has been entered into in good faith by the UK and Mauritius, it will be legally binding, and we are absolutely clear that it is compliant with international law and all our other obligations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The MP asked for specific departmental funding details; the Minister provided overall costs but not specifics of departmental contributions.
Discussed General Cost Estimates
Did Not Provide Precise Figures
Response accuracy