Written question asked by Priti Patel (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Friday, 4 July 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 the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether there is an agreed definition between the UK and Mauritius of what is an artificial island.

Answer: The term "artificial island" will be interpreted in accordance with the rules of international law on the interpretation of treaties.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 62644
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 Diego Garcia Sovereignty Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk