Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Monday, 29 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: British Indian Ocean Territory

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many officials from her Department with responsibility for the British Indian Ocean Territory are working a) within the British Indian Ocean Territory, b) from her Department's main building and c) from home remotely.

Answer: The British Indian Ocean Territory is constitutionally distinct and separate from the UK. It is administered by the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration (BIOTA). The Commissioner is based in the UK and is supported by around 40 staff split between the UK and the Territory. In addition, there are currently around 13 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff working on all aspects of BIOT policy, all of whom are based in the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13778
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Staff British Indian Ocean Territory Remote working Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk