Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill

Bernard Jenkin Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

I am afraid that I might need to write to the hon. Gentleman with the detail on that very specific point, but I can assure him that our operation of military bases, whether alone or with allies, is always in accordance with international law. That is why we have followed the process that we have in updating the different pieces of legislation and other agreements that need to be updated.

[Sir Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con)]

When did the Minister first learn that the United States could effectively veto this agreement with Mauritius?

[Stephen Doughty]

I do not really understand the premise of the question. We have always been clear that we would work closely with our key defence and security ally the United States in securing the base on Diego Garcia. We have set out on a number of occasions the processes by which we would need to bring this treaty into force. There is simply no gotcha moment here. This has been clear, and it was made clear to those in the other place, but perhaps Members have not been reading the answers to the questions.