Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-Mauritius Treaty: Chagos Islands

Tuesday 1 April 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government will not disclose details of the UK-Mauritius treaty finances at this time
  • Government prioritizes security and protection of British people and allies
  • Government claims financial element was necessary to secure operation of Diego Garcia base

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the financial implications of a proposed treaty with Mauritius regarding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The treaty involves continued operation of the base on Diego Garcia and substantial funding not mentioned in recent fiscal statements.

Question

Why has the Government decided to give away sovereign British territory along with billions of pounds to Mauritius without disclosing where this money is coming from? My question was very simple, and it is one to which the British people deserve an answer. The money for the treaty was not referred to in the spring statement or in the Budget.

Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

This Government will not scrimp on security. The base on Diego Garcia will be secured for ourselves and our allies. Protecting the British people and our allies is our No. 1 priority, and full details will be provided in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitments and budget allocations not addressed

How: Protecting Security Is A Priority

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Q2 Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP criticises the Government for front-loading payments to Mauritius in exchange for retaining control over Diego Garcia and other economic concessions. The deal's secrecy is questioned, including which budgets will cover lease costs and unilateral renewal provisions.

Question

Why does the Minister refuse to disclose the amount of money involved in the UK-Mauritius surrender deal? Why are details about budget allocations unclear? Will he confirm whether the Prime Minister of Mauritius' statement regarding concessions is correct, including loss of sovereign rights on Diego Garcia and inability to renew leases unilaterally? When will this treaty come before Parliament for debate?

Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The hon. Member neglects to remind the House that it was his Government who started negotiations on this matter because they recognised that our national security interests and those of our allies were under threat. A financial element was crucial to protecting the operation of that crucial base. Once the treaty is signed, and after ratification in the usual way, it will be put before both Houses for scrutiny, and it will of course include costs. The Government will not scrimp on our security. Protecting the British people is our No. 1 priority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial details and budget allocations not disclosed

How: Protecting National Security Is A Priority

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