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Written question asked by Daniel Kawczynski (Conservative) on Monday, 18 December 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 January 2024. It was answered by James Heappey (Conservative) on Friday, 12 January 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


British Indian Ocean Territory: National Security

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential risks to national security of the proposed transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Answer

The joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia plays a crucial role in combating some of the most challenging threats to regional and international security.

The UK and Mauritius have conducted several rounds of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago. The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement between our two countries will ensure the continued effective operation of joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7305
Session
2023-24
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
British Indian Ocean Territory National security Mauritius Sovereignty
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk