Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether consultations were held with representatives of the Chagossian community prior to the decision to hand over sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius and, if so, how many meetings were held; and what other steps were taken.

The negotiations were between the UK and Mauritius, with our priority being to secure the full operation of the base on Diego Garcia. However, we recognise the huge importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure this agreement reflects their interests. Mauritius will be free to implement a programme of resettlement on the islands other than Diego Garcia, and we will finance a new trust fund for Mauritius in support of Chagossians. Working with Mauritius, we will also restart visits to all the islands for Chagossians. Ministers and officials will continue regular engagement with members of the community.