Written question asked by Iain Duncan Smith (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 April 2026. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Monday, 27 April 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Chagos Islands: Humanitarian Aid

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the cost to the public purse was of the recent search of a vessel with supplies for the Chagos Islands; and whether UK-based officials travelled to assist with this search.

Answer: I refer the Rt Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 13 April and the answer given on 27 April to question HL16223, and the answers I provided to questions raised in response, except for matters of ongoing litigation, where I am unable to comment at this time.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 127033
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill
Monday, 13 April 2026
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons; Chagos Islands: Humanitarian Aid
Monday, 27 April 2026
Written questions
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Costs Humanitarian aid Shipping Chagos Islands
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk