Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Ministers from his Department have met representatives of the Chagossian community since 4 July 2024; and which Minister met how many Chagossians on each such occasion.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is the lead Department for the international and community engagements in regards to the sovereignty negotiations. The Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories has met with members of the Chagossian community twice since 4 July 2024. We always endeavour to invite all Chagossian groups and representatives with an interest to these meetings. Officials also routinely speak to Chagossians. Discussions covered a range of issues, including implementation of the agreement. There are a large number of Chagossian groups with a spectrum of views. We will continue efforts to engage the community.