Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill
Debate between Lord Deben and Lord Bellingham
Report stage
Monday 5th January 2026
Read Full debate Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-26 View all Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 139-R-I(a) Amendments for Report (Supplementary to the Marshalled List) - (2 Jan 2026)
Monday 5th January 2026
(1 week, 2 days ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-26 View all Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill 2024-26 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: HL Bill 139-R-I(a) Amendments for Report (Supplementary to the Marshalled List) - (2 Jan 2026)
Lord Bellingham (Con)
I had sat down, but I am perfectly happy to say that the UK Government take their responsibilities incredibly seriously. As I mentioned, the OTs contain 92% of our biodiversity. I cannot think of one example where the UK Government have not stepped up to honour their responsibilities and put in place every form of protection.
Lord Deben (Con)
I remind my noble friend that not only the British Government but voluntary organisations have been doing this, and it is because of the backing of the British Government that they are carrying this through. Whatever the noble Lord’s views on this issue, he must accept that at the moment this is a very highly protected area, and we are offering it to someone who does not protect anyone.