House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago
10 September 2024 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Proposed by David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK and Mauritius are engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago.
- The UK seeks to protect security interests on Diego Garcia while respecting Chagossian communities and enhancing environmental cooperation.
- Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Envoy to facilitate these negotiations.
Issue summary
The statement addresses ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT)/Chagos Archipelago.
Action requested
The UK aims to reach a negotiated agreement that protects security interests on Diego Garcia, respects Chagossian communities, enhances environmental cooperation, and builds a strategic partnership with Mauritius. Mr Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister's Envoy to facilitate these negotiations.
Key facts
- The UK and Mauritius agreed to continue sovereignty negotiations launched in November 2022.
- A meeting between the British Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Mauritius took place on 23 July.
- Mr Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Envoy for BIOT/Chagos Sovereignty Negotiation.