British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago

Tuesday 10th September 2024 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)]

Following the meeting between the Prime Minister, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Holborn and St Pancras, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius on 23 July, the UK and Mauritius have agreed to continue the negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos archipelago launched under the previous Government in November 2022. An agreed resolution to this long-standing, complex and important issue is in the interest of both parties and the best way to protect the UK’s national interests. Working in close co-ordination with the United States, the UK will endeavour to expeditiously reach a negotiated agreement that protects and preserves vital security interests on Diego Garcia, respects Chagossian communities, enhances environmental co-operation and builds a long-term strategic partnership with Mauritius as a close Commonwealth partner. To enhance these efforts, Mr Jonathan Powell has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s envoy to the BIOT/Chagos sovereignty negotiation.

[HCWS80]