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 Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 3 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of the UK-Mauritius Treaty, whether he has agreed (a) a process with the Government of Mauritius to provide them with the required notifications and (b) a definition of the term expeditiously inform with the Government of Mauritius.

Answer: It is standard practice for basing arrangements to include an agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory. Annex 1, paragraph 2 of the Chagos Archipelago treaty, once it has entered into force, will not require prior notification and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. The United Kingdom will inform Mauritius through normal diplomatic channels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 62647
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
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: Mauritius Diego Garcia Sovereignty Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk