Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is in the process of ratifying a treaty with Mauritius over Diego Garcia. The question arises from concerns about the impact on Chagossians who are fleeing to the UK, placing financial pressure on local authorities like Hillingdon Council.
If she will suspend the process to ratify the UK-Mauritius treaty due to its significant impact on my constituents caring for hundreds of Chagossians coming from Heathrow airport and placing huge financial pressures on local councils.
I disagree with the premise that Chagossians are fleeing due to Government actions. Support has been provided to councils through agreements for British citizenship. I have worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not explicitly address the cancellation of the treaty or provide certainty about the base's future.
Disagreed With Premise
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK is negotiating a treaty with Mauritius over Diego Garcia. This has caused concern among local authorities who are dealing with an influx of Chagossian refugees.
Will the Minister undertake to cancel this proposed UK-Mauritius treaty, bring certainty about the future of the base and ensure that my constituents do not continue to bear the consequences of those forced to flee by the Government's actions?
Chagossians are coming due to previous Government agreements, support is provided to councils through those arrangements. I have worked closely with MHCLG on this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister avoided discussing the cancellation of the treaty or providing certainty about the base's future.
Disagreed With Premise
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government announced the abandonment of their Chagos islands surrender Bill, causing confusion among allies and leading to a team being sent to Mauritius.
Can the Minister make it clear that officials have been told unequivocally to tell the Mauritius Government that the deal is dead, no money will be sent to them, and the Chagos islands will remain British?
I reject the characterization of Government actions. The treaty was needed for national security; our allies welcomed it. Officials regularly engage with Mauritius, US, and other partners regarding this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific communications or intentions with Mauritius officials.
Rejected Characterization
Response accuracy