British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty Debate

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Department: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Andrew George Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd July 2025

(2 days, 6 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew George Portrait Andrew George (St Ives) (LD)
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I simply ask the Minister the same question that I asked when he first came to the House on this matter. In relation to the cost consequences of this deal, he knows that the lion’s share of the interest lies with the military base on Diego Garcia. Therefore, what contribution is the United States making to the very significant costs of compensating the Mauritian people?

Stephen Doughty Portrait Stephen Doughty
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The United States makes significant and crucial contributions to the operations from Diego Garcia. They are of a quantum much greater than the cost that we will pay in relation to the base under this deal. The benefit to the United Kingdom, the United States and our allies is priceless, and this Government will not scrimp on our national security.