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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Diego Garcia: Military Bases

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March to Question 116530 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, if he will list all treaties his Department has assessed that Mauritius could pursue a legally binding ruling.

Answer

I know the hon. Gentleman will recall that the previous Government began the negotiations on BIOT and held rounds of negotiations. He may perhaps also recall the rationale given by Ministers then.

It is important that the UK Government is able to take legal advice in confidence. It would also not be prudent to set out all the possible litigation options for another State against the UK. We have already set out some possible routes to a legally binding judgment, and these have been discussed at length including in expert evidence given to the International Agreements Committee in June 2025.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
119970
Session
2024-26
Related items
Diego Garcia: Military Bases
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Mauritius Military bases Diego Garcia
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk