Written question asked by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which the proposed transfer of the Chagos Archipelago might weaken the United Kingdom’s capacity to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement to protect climate vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Answer: The UK Overseas Territories biodiversity strategy, last updated on 12 January, details the importance of the Chagos Archipelago in supporting the healthiest, best managed large ecosystem complex in the Indian ocean, and confirms that - after the UK-Mauritius treaty comes into force - we will support the Mauritian Government in an enhanced partnership to ensure the future protection of that unique environment. As discussed at length during the debates on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, the treaty is entirely compatible with the UK's other environmental commitments and obligations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL14941
Session: 2024-26
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Nature conservation Sovereignty Climate Change Convention Coral reefs Chagos Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk