Written question asked by Baroness Hoey (Non-affiliated) on Thursday, 17 September 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 October 2026. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mauritius: Marine Protected Areas

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment has been made of the response by the government of Mauritius to the MV Wakashio oil spill of 2020; and what records they hold of any assessment of this matter conducted in connection with negotiations over the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory, up to and including the date of this question.

Answer: Following the MV Wakashio oil spill, Mauritius undertook a review of its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, drawing on lessons identified from the incident. The review was supported by international partners, including the UNDP and technical experts, and was intended to strengthen national preparedness and response arrangements for future oil-spill incidents. This was one of a range of factors considered by the Government in connection to the future environmental protection of the British Indian Ocean Territory during negotiations with Mauritius.

Secondary information