Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 October 2019. It was answered by Christopher Pincher (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he plans to hold discussions with his Mauritian counterpart on proposals for co-management of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answer: We have no doubt about our sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory, which has been under continuous British sovereignty since 1814. The United Kingdom remains committed to implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea Arbitral Award of 2015. In line with the Award we will continue to approach discussions with Mauritius with an open mind about the best way to meet our obligations under the Award and to ensure proper conservation management of this unique marine environment.

Secondary information