Written question asked by Lord Kempsell (Conservative) on Monday, 1 December 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the current and future responsibilities of the Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory in light of the UK-Mauritius treaty on the Chagos Archipelago.

Answer: The responsibilities of the Commissioner are set out in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Constitution Order (2004). Clause 2 of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill will revoke this Order and the role will cease to exist on entry into force of the Diego Garcia treaty. Future governance arrangements for Diego Garcia, including any necessary Orders or Ordinances, will be made using the relevant powers in the Bill.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL12506
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Mauritius Sovereignty Chagos Islands Commissioner for the British Indian Ocean Territory
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk