Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Stephen Doughty

Tuesday 14th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T2. Why are the Government acting with such dispatch to secure the agreement with Mauritius? What is the rush?

[Stephen Doughty]

As I have said in the House on many occasions, there is no rush. [Interruption.] No, it is a fact that negotiations on this issue were going on for two years under the previous Government, with 10 rounds of failed negotiations. We have secured a deal that is in all of our interests and, crucially, secures our base and our national security interests and those of our allies on Diego Garcia.

St Helena: UK Immigration

Debate between Desmond Swayne and Stephen Doughty

Monday 21st October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Doughty]

I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation of St Helena. It is a wonderful place with wonderful people, and its Government have voluntarily entered this agreement. It is obviously a much more suitable place, were people theoretically to arrive, than BIOT, which is not suitable. I am very confident that all our processes comply with international law.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

The opportunities available to any migrant are vastly greater in Rwanda, aren’t they?