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British Indian Ocean Territory
07 October 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses an agreement between the UK and Mauritius regarding sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago, securing the military base on Diego Garcia.
Action Requested
The government has reached a legally binding agreement with Mauritius that allows the UK to exercise sovereign rights necessary for the secure operation of the joint military base. The treaty will be finalised and a Bill will be brought forward to implement the Agreement, with parliamentary scrutiny under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act.
Key Facts
- The agreement secures the strategic UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.
- The base's future is legally secure for at least 99 years.
- Mauritius has sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago but authorises the UK to exercise sovereign rights needed for the base.
- A new trust fund will be established by the UK to support the welfare of Chagossians.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy