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Written question asked by Priti Patel (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Friday, 20 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, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56193 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether sanctions would be placed on Mauritius should the confidentiality of notifications be breached.

Answer

There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.

Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
58963
Session
2024-26
Related items
Chagos Islands: Sovereignty
Monday, 9 June 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Mauritius Sovereignty Sanctions Chagos Islands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk