Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Friday, 30 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Thursday, 5 June 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(d) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what criteria will be used to determine authorisations permitting the presence of non-United Kingdom, non-United States or non-Mauritian security forces, either civilian or military in the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia as defined in paragraph 11 of Annex 1.

Answer: The authorisation of any non-UK, non-US or non-Mauritian security forces will be agreed jointly between the UK and Mauritius. This means that it can only happen if the UK agrees. Our approach on that will be determined by an analysis of whether the presence would risk undermining, prejudicing or otherwise interfering with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 54685
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Agreement, done at London and Port Louis on 22 May 2025, between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Mauritius Sovereignty Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk