Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Tuesday 2 May 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK is committed to agreements made in 1965 regarding the Chagos Islands and continues to consult with Chagossians during negotiations.
  • Issues related to the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands are being pursued in good faith, with further talks scheduled.
  • The UK emphasizes the global security importance of the Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, during negotiations with Mauritius.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Kawczynski Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK and Mauritius are engaged in negotiations over the exercise of sovereignty over British Indian Ocean Territory, including the Chagos archipelago.

Question

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.

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifically avoided commitment regarding self-determination process or timeline

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Q2 Daniel Kawczynski Con
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

We are pursuing negotiations in good faith. We have had three rounds of discussions to date and will meet again soon for further talks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or commitment to rapid progress

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Q3 Jeremy Corbyn Your Party Islington North
Defence
Context

The military importance of Diego Garcia is acknowledged.

Question

Does he agree that the military importance of Diego Garcia means the islands should remain under British sovereignty?

Answer from James Cleverly

My hon. Friend makes an important point. The global security importance is at the forefront during negotiations and will remain so in any outcome.

Answered
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Q4 Henry Smith Con
Environment
Context

The marine protected area around the islands hosts diverse marine life essential for food sources for eastern Africa.

Question

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.

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific commitment or timeline for protecting marine area

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Q5 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from James Cleverly

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific timing or process for self-determination discussion

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