Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Friday, 4 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 July 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Friday, 18 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, if he will take steps to agree legally binding protections for Chagossian cultural and historical locations.

Answer: We recognise the importance of the islands to Chagossians and have worked to ensure the agreement reflects this. We will increase our support to Chagossians , including through: the establishment of a £40 million fund to benefit Chagossians; the ability Mauritius will have, for the first time, to resettle the islands other than Diego Garcia; and work with Mauritius to start a new programme of visits for Chagossians to the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. We have also maintained the current route to British citizenship for Chagossians, so all Chagossians will remain eligible and free to make their home in the UK. The UK Government regularly meets Chagossian groups and representatives at both official and Ministerial levels and a new 'Contact Group' will facilitate dialogue between the Chagossian community and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on future programmes. This work may include discussions and support related to heritage, history and culture subject to further engagement.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 65000
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Cultural heritage Mauritius Sovereignty Chagossians Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk