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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Friday, 27 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Diego Garcia: Military Bases

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his statement of 22 May 2025 on Diego Garcia Military Base, Official Report, Column 1284, what the potential legal rulings are that he referred to.

Answer

We have always been clear that, if a long-term deal was not reached, there was a risk of further litigation being brought rapidly which could have had serious implications for the operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

There are various avenues through which Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling, including under dispute provisions of treaties to which both States are parties or further arbitral proceedings against the UK under Annex VII of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ("UNCLOS"). A ruling from such an arbitral tribunal would be legally binding on the parties to it.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116530
Session
2024-26
Related items
Diego Garcia Military Base
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Diego Garcia: Military Bases
Monday, 23 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Military bases Diego Garcia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk