Written question asked by John Austin (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 June 2007. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 June 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Ilois: Resettlement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will review the Government’s policy in relation to the British Indian Ocean Territory in the light of the recent Appeal Court decision concerning the Chagos Islanders; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Ministers will consider the 23 May judgment of the Court of Appeal carefully and have in this regard asked officials for further advice. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary reserves the right to petition the House of Lords to grant permission to appeal, as she is entitled to do within one month. The Government’s policy in relation to the British Indian Ocean Territory therefore remains the subject of possible ongoing legal proceedings and it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Secondary information