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Written question asked by Mike Wood (Conservative) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Thursday, 12 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


USA: Military Bases

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks, of 1 March 2026, whether it is the policy position of HM Government that UK Government could have given permission to permit the use of the US Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands for the United States to launch its pre-emptive strikes on Iran.

Answer

The United States' operational use of Diego Garcia is governed by an Exchange of Notes between the UK and the USA.

The potential use of any UK base or base on UK sovereign territory by foreign military forces for operational purposes is closely considered to ensure that we are content with their proposed activities taking place on/from those bases.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
117754
Session
2024-26
Related items
USA: Military Bases
Monday, 27 July 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Armed conflict Military bases Diego Garcia Iran USA
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk