British Indian Ocean Territory: Negotiations

Karen Bradley Excerpts
Monday 7th October 2024

(2 months, 1 week ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. My hon. Friend the Minister of State communicated that with a letter to the Prime Minister just a few weeks ago. What we have seen in the last few days from the Opposition has been wholly irresponsible.

Karen Bradley Portrait Dame Karen Bradley (Staffordshire Moorlands) (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

The Foreign Secretary said he is establishing a trust fund and that Chagossians will be able to apply for British citizenship. What discussions did he have with the Chagossian people about that? Can he confirm that the Home Office is ready to deal with the applications?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

They already can apply for UK citizenship. Of course we have been in dialogue and discussions with the Chagossians. My hon. Friend the Minister of State has met them regularly.