All 1 Debates between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations

Debate between Baroness Butler-Sloss and Baroness Chapman of Darlington
Wednesday 9th October 2024

(1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington Portrait Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
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My Lords, the treaty will be published very soon, and we will have a chance to properly test it according to the things that are of concern to the noble Lord. I suggest that we wait for the treaty to be scrubbed and printed so that we can all satisfy ourselves about the precise nature of what has been agreed.

Baroness Butler-Sloss Portrait Baroness Butler-Sloss (CB)
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My Lords, it is very important that this House remembers that both major parties were seriously guilty of the most appalling behaviour towards the Chagossians. When I was a member of the Court of Appeal, under the then Conservative Government, we were not able to help the Chagossians, but we gave a judgment that absolutely excoriated them, quite correctly. But, equally, a Labour Government behaved in exactly the same way. But my question to the Minister is: are the Government satisfied that China is not a real danger?

Baroness Chapman of Darlington Portrait Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
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We are watchful; of course we are. But there is nothing in this treaty, however, that leads us to have the kind of concern that has been alluded to. As I have said, the treaty would prevent not just China but any other foreign nation from undertaking activities on the other islands other than Diego Garcia.