Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Smith Excerpts

Tuesday 13th December 2022 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

1. What recent progress he has made on negotiations on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (James Cleverly)]

I can confirm that negotiations have begun. Officials from the UK and Mauritius met at the end of last month and had constructive discussions. The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK-US defence facility on Diego Garcia, and we will be meeting again to continue negotiations shortly.

[Henry Smith]

What consultations are being held with members of the Chagossian community in my constituency and around the UK ahead of any proposed changes to the British Indian Ocean Territory?

[James Cleverly]

I recognise my hon. Friend’s championing of the Chagossian community in his constituency. He will recognise that there is a diversity of views in the various Chagossian communities in Mauritius, the UK and the Seychelles. We will of course take those views seriously, but the negotiations are between the UK and Mauritius. We will ensure that we continue to engage with those communities through this negotiating process.