Chagos Islands Sovereignty 2023-05-02
2023-05-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK and Mauritius are engaged in negotiations over the exercise of sovereignty over British Indian Ocean Territory, including the Chagos archipelago.
What recent discussions has he had with his counterpart in Mauritius on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands? The MP noted that the British Indian Ocean Territory is vital for the AUKUS agreement and questioned why negotiations include a third-party country 2000 km away from the territory. He also asked about putting self-determination for all British overseas territories at the forefront, specifically regarding when Chagossians will get their say.
The UK is committed to agreements made in 1965, and while there are no plans for a referendum, we do consult with Chagossians. Issues raised remain at the heart of our thinking during negotiations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided commitment regarding self-determination process or timeline
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chagos islanders were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1970s, fought for their return, won international law recognition of their case, and the Mauritian Government won international law recognition for relinking the archipelago with Mauritius.
Does he accept that the Chagos islanders were treated disgracefully by the British Government in the 1970s? Does he agree they have fought to return home? Has he won international law recognition of their case, and will negotiations move forward rapidly?
We are pursuing negotiations in good faith. We have had three rounds of discussions to date and will meet again soon for further talks.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or commitment to rapid progress
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The military importance of Diego Garcia is acknowledged.
Does he agree that the military importance of Diego Garcia means the islands should remain under British sovereignty?
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The global security importance is at the forefront during negotiations and will remain so in any outcome.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The marine protected area around the islands hosts diverse marine life essential for food sources for eastern Africa.
Will he do everything possible to protect the marine protected area that we have set up? It includes 220 coral species, 855 fish and 355 mollusc species vital to protecting food chains in eastern Africa.
We pay close attention to marine environments around British Indian Ocean Territory. We raise regularly the protection of maritime and marine environments in discussions with small island nations and other influential countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific commitment or timeline for protecting marine area
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK and Mauritius are negotiating sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory, including the Chagos archipelago. The right of self-determination is a key issue.
At the invitation of the Foreign Office in 2019, some visited the British Indian Ocean Territory and inspected naval and military installations. Why negotiate with Mauritius about sovereignty when it is essential for all British overseas territories to have self-determination? When will Chagossians get their say?
We are pursuing negotiations in good faith. We consult with Chagossians despite no plans for referendum. The issues remain at heart of our thinking during talks.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific timing or process for self-determination discussion
Response accuracy