To ask His Majesty's Government whether there has been Ministerial level contact between the UK Government and the Mauritian Government since 20 January; and if so, which Ministers and which interlocutors.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether there has been Ministerial level contact between the UK Government and the Mauritian Government since 20 January; and if so, which Ministers and which interlocutors.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial and strategic implications of transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial and strategic implications of transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains Government policy to transfer ownership of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether it remains Government policy to transfer ownership of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any new legislation to implement the UK-Mauritius treaty on sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory will be brought forward in this session of Parliament.

To ask His Majesty's Government whether any new legislation to implement the UK-Mauritius treaty on sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory will be brought forward in this session of Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the outcome of the recent discussions on the Chagos Islands deal between the director of the Foreign Office’s overseas territories and polar directorate and the attorney general of Mauritius.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what was the outcome of the recent discussions on the Chagos Islands deal between the director of the Foreign Office’s overseas territories and polar directorate and the attorney general of Mauritius.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date did Jonathan Powell commence his role as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date did Jonathan Powell commence his role as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of the resettlement of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of the resettlement of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date is Jonathan Powell’s role as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago scheduled to end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what date is Jonathan Powell’s role as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) / Chagos Archipelago scheduled to end.

I welcome the new Defence Secretary to Question Time, and simply pose a quick question to him, because we need some clarity about the Chagos deal. Will he confirm that it has been cancelled and that the money—the billions—that was going to Mauritius has now been transferred to defence spending?

I welcome the new Defence Secretary to Question Time, and simply pose a quick question to him, because we need some clarity about the Chagos deal. Will he confirm that it has been cancelled and that the money—the billions—that was going to Mauritius has now been transferred to defence spending?

It is a fair question. I am looking very closely at the detail, and I will discuss it with our American allies.

It is a fair question. I am looking very closely at the detail, and I will discuss it with our American allies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial support she has provided to (a) the Government of Mauritius and (b) projects in Mauritius under the Strategic Partnership Framework Programme in 2025/26 and plans for the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what financial support she has provided to (a) the Government of Mauritius and (b) projects in Mauritius under the Strategic Partnership Framework Programme in 2025/26 and plans for the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Government of Mauritius on the financial contributions that the Government of Mauritius were expecting from the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Government of Mauritius on the financial contributions that the Government of Mauritius were expecting from the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what value of resources (a) have been provided since 22 May 2025; and (b) will be provided to Mauritius under the UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework in each of the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what value of resources (a) have been provided since 22 May 2025; and (b) will be provided to Mauritius under the UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework in each of the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much bilateral ODA funding is planned to be provided to Mauritius (a) this year and (b) in each of the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much bilateral ODA funding is planned to be provided to Mauritius (a) this year and (b) in each of the next five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June 2026 to Question 3899 on Diego Garcia: Military Bases, what progress he has made with the United States and with Mauritius on the way forward for the UK-Mauritius Agreement since 13...

To ask His Majesty's Government how much has been spent by (1) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and (2) other Government departments, on the negotiations with Mauritius relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory, including consequential costs of the agreement not progressing.

To ask His Majesty's Government how much has been spent by (1) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and (2) other Government departments, on the negotiations with Mauritius relating to the British Indian Ocean Territory, including consequential costs of the agreement not progressing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Gordon Brown held discussions with the government of Mauritius in 2009 during which the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was raised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Gordon Brown held discussions with the government of Mauritius in 2009 during which the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was raised.

Letter dated 12/05/2026 from Lord Coaker to Lords regarding issues discussed during the Oral Statement on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: Chagossian resettlement in the Territory. 2p.

Letter dated 12/05/2026 from Lord Coaker to Lords regarding issues discussed during the Oral Statement on the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill: Chagossian resettlement in the Territory. 2p.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Gordon Brown held discussions with the government of Mauritius in 2009 on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Gordon Brown held discussions with the government of Mauritius in 2009 on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 2404 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Public Appointments, on what dates her predecessor met with Jonathan Powell prior to appointing him as the Prime Minister's Envoy for...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 2404 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Public Appointments, on what dates her predecessor met with Jonathan Powell prior to appointing him as the Prime Minister's Envoy for...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 2404 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Public Appointments, on what date did her predecessor a) appoint Jonathan Powell, b) did he commence the role and c) was...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 2404 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Public Appointments, on what date did her predecessor a) appoint Jonathan Powell, b) did he commence the role and c) was...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Jonathan Powell was interviewed for the role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether Jonathan Powell was interviewed for the role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the news story entitled Jonathan Powell appointed as Special Envoy for BIOT negotiations, published on 6 September 2024, whether the phrase He will begin his role immediately means that Jonathan Powell’s role as the Prime...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the news story entitled Jonathan Powell appointed as Special Envoy for BIOT negotiations, published on 6 September 2024, whether the phrase He will begin his role immediately means that Jonathan Powell’s role as the Prime...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Jonathan Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the BIOT; and what security clearance he had upon that appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when Jonathan Powell was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for negotiations between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the BIOT; and what security clearance he had upon that appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her department has kept records of complaints made by Chagossian asylum seekers fleeing Mauritius and applying for asylum in the United Kingdom in the last 10 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her department has kept records of complaints made by Chagossian asylum seekers fleeing Mauritius and applying for asylum in the United Kingdom in the last 10 years.

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials will be visiting Mauritius on 22 April; and what is the purpose of the visit.

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials will be visiting Mauritius on 22 April; and what is the purpose of the visit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department's policy is on the right of abode for Chagossians on the Chagos Islands, with reference to the judgement of the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory on 31 March 2026.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department's policy is on the right of abode for Chagossians on the Chagos Islands, with reference to the judgement of the Supreme Court of the British Indian Ocean Territory on 31 March 2026.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the investigation by the United Nations of the proposed deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the investigation by the United Nations of the proposed deal with Mauritius on the Chagos Islands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any goodwill payment or any other costs will be paid to the Mauritian Government as a result of the Diego Garcia Bill not having progressed through Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether any goodwill payment or any other costs will be paid to the Mauritian Government as a result of the Diego Garcia Bill not having progressed through Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of asylum claims of Chagossians to the United Kingdom from a) Mauritius and b) the Seychelles since July 2024.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the number of asylum claims of Chagossians to the United Kingdom from a) Mauritius and b) the Seychelles since July 2024.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her department has undertaken polling of the Chagossian people in respect to the 2025 UK/Mauritius Treaty concerning the Chagos Archipelago.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her department has undertaken polling of the Chagossian people in respect to the 2025 UK/Mauritius Treaty concerning the Chagos Archipelago.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 118787 on Jonathan Powell, if she will list each meeting that Jonathan Powell had with external organisations, including foreign governments, whilst the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 118787 on Jonathan Powell, if she will list each meeting that Jonathan Powell had with external organisations, including foreign governments, whilst the Prime Minister's Special Envoy.

Let me say that Jonathan Powell is doing an excellent job for this Government. He is respected across the world, and is playing a significant part in dealing with the huge challenges that we face.

Let me say that Jonathan Powell is doing an excellent job for this Government. He is respected across the world, and is playing a significant part in dealing with the huge challenges that we face.

Q4

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Ben Obese-Jecty (Huntingdon) (Con):

We know that the Prime Minister has been playing fast and loose with ministerial appointments in his chumocracy, so I want to ask him about the first one. [Interruption.] Labour Members’ boos mean nothing to me; I have seen what makes them cheer. Jonathan Powell was appointed the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the British Indian Ocean Territory on 6 September, but throughout August he held meetings with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials and was given access to classified information, including a minute of a meeting between the Prime Minister and the then Foreign Secretary, who is sat next to him on the Front Bench. My question is very simple: when was Jonathan Powell appointed the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the British Indian Ocean Territory, and what security clearance did he have upon that appointment?

Q4

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Ben Obese-Jecty (Huntingdon) (Con):

We know that the Prime Minister has been playing fast and loose with ministerial appointments in his chumocracy, so I want to ask him about the first one. [Interruption.] Labour Members’ boos mean nothing to me; I have seen what makes them cheer. Jonathan Powell was appointed the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the British Indian Ocean Territory on 6 September, but throughout August he held meetings with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials and was given access to classified information, including a minute of a meeting between the Prime Minister and the then Foreign Secretary, who is sat next to him on the Front Bench. My question is very simple: when was Jonathan Powell appointed the Prime Minister’s special envoy to the British Indian Ocean Territory, and what security clearance did he have upon that appointment?

As I have said many times in this House, Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for the United Kingdom, the United States and our allies, and ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority. We remain confident that the UK-Mauritius treaty is the best way to defend the future of the base. We are obviously disappointed with the delay, which I set out the other day, but we will continue to work with the United States and Mauritius on the way forward.

As I have said many times in this House, Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for the United Kingdom, the United States and our allies, and ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority. We remain confident that the UK-Mauritius treaty is the best way to defend the future of the base. We are obviously disappointed with the delay, which I set out the other day, but we will continue to work with the United States and Mauritius on the way forward.

The Chagos islands are even further from my constituency than they are from Mauritius, which is saying something, but this is having a significant local impact. Hillingdon council is now caring for hundreds of Chagossians fleeing to this country through Heathrow airport to escape the consequences of the Government’s proposed deal, which is placing huge financial pressure on my local authority. Will the Minister undertake to cancel this proposed UK-Mauritius treaty, to bring certainty about the future of the base and ensure that my constituents do not continue to bear the consequences of those forced to flee by the Government’s actions?

The Chagos islands are even further from my constituency than they are from Mauritius, which is saying something, but this is having a significant local impact. Hillingdon council is now caring for hundreds of Chagossians fleeing to this country through Heathrow airport to escape the consequences of the Government’s proposed deal, which is placing huge financial pressure on my local authority. Will the Minister undertake to cancel this proposed UK-Mauritius treaty, to bring certainty about the future of the base and ensure that my constituents do not continue to bear the consequences of those forced to flee by the Government’s actions?

I have a lot of respect for the hon. Gentleman, but I simply disagree with the premise of what he says. Chagossians who have been coming to this country have come because of agreements made under the previous Government for them to acquire British citizenship, which entitles them to come here. Support has been provided to councils, and I have worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on this issue. If he has any further concerns or requests to make sure, he should do that through the usual channels.

I have a lot of respect for the hon. Gentleman, but I simply disagree with the premise of what he says. Chagossians who have been coming to this country have come because of agreements made under the previous Government for them to acquire British citizenship, which entitles them to come here. Support has been provided to councils, and I have worked closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on this issue. If he has any further concerns or requests to make sure, he should do that through the usual channels.

Last week, this feeble Government limped to this House to announce that their shameful Chagos surrender Bill was being ditched—a diplomatic failure entirely owned by this Labour Government. Our friends and allies alike around the world were left bemused by the deal that this Government came up with. This week, the Government have sent a team of officials to Mauritius. Can the Minister make it clear that that team have been told unequivocally to tell the Mauritius Government that the deal is dead, the UK will be sending no money to the Mauritius Government and the Chagos islands will be remaining British?

Last week, this feeble Government limped to this House to announce that their shameful Chagos surrender Bill was being ditched—a diplomatic failure entirely owned by this Labour Government. Our friends and allies alike around the world were left bemused by the deal that this Government came up with. This week, the Government have sent a team of officials to Mauritius. Can the Minister make it clear that that team have been told unequivocally to tell the Mauritius Government that the deal is dead, the UK will be sending no money to the Mauritius Government and the Chagos islands will be remaining British?

With the exception of when I broke my ankle before Christmas, I have never limped to this House on any occasion. I came here with confidence to set out the reasons why this treaty was needed for our national security. Our officials engage regularly not only with Mauritius, but with the United States and other partners. This deal was of course welcomed by our allies, including our Five Eyes partners, so I simply do not accept what the shadow Minister has said.

With the exception of when I broke my ankle before Christmas, I have never limped to this House on any occasion. I came here with confidence to set out the reasons why this treaty was needed for our national security. Our officials engage regularly not only with Mauritius, but with the United States and other partners. This deal was of course welcomed by our allies, including our Five Eyes partners, so I simply do not accept what the shadow Minister has said.

If she will suspend the process to ratify the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

If she will suspend the process to ratify the UK-Mauritius Treaty.

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 11 February (HL14050), whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for them in relation to (1) the Chagos Islands, or (2) Mauritius; and whether they have received any representations from Inter Mediate about those two...

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Chapman of Darlington on 11 February (HL14050), whether Inter Mediate has undertaken any work for them in relation to (1) the Chagos Islands, or (2) Mauritius; and whether they have received any representations from Inter Mediate about those two...

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the timing of the public commentary by the government of Mauritius on the Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the timing of the public commentary by the government of Mauritius on the Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 119052 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, on what date did his department last report its NATO spending to NATO, and for what financial year was the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March 2026 to Question 119052 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, on what date did his department last report its NATO spending to NATO, and for what financial year was the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of (a) the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger in Mauritius and (b) his allegations of corruption.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of (a) the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger in Mauritius and (b) his allegations of corruption.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Mauritian counterpart on the arrest of the former Prime Minister of that country in relation to money laundering issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her Mauritian counterpart on the arrest of the former Prime Minister of that country in relation to money laundering issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the purpose is of the visit to Mauritius by UK officials on 22 April 2026; and what the principal subjects to be discussed are.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the purpose is of the visit to Mauritius by UK officials on 22 April 2026; and what the principal subjects to be discussed are.

Lords statement on the Diego Garcia treaty and the associated Bill.

Lords statement on the Diego Garcia treaty and the associated Bill.

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord opposite for the opportunity to ask questions on this Statement. It is indeed a shame that nobody from the Foreign Office was available to turn up and accept

responsibility for the utter shambles of the policy that it has created. This latest U-turn...

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord opposite for the opportunity to ask questions on this Statement. It is indeed a shame that nobody from the Foreign Office was available to turn up and accept

responsibility for the utter shambles of the policy that it has created. This latest U-turn...

My Lords, this has turned into a very sorry affair. I continue to be sorry for the Chagossian community, which sees that the political turmoil and injustice that it has endured over many years has the potential to continue, because the same international legal position remains, not only in relation...

My Lords, this has turned into a very sorry affair. I continue to be sorry for the Chagossian community, which sees that the political turmoil and injustice that it has endured over many years has the potential to continue, because the same international legal position remains, not only in relation...

I thank everyone for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to respond to those questions. It is an important debate. I say to the noble Lords, Lord Callanan and Lord Purvis, and to everybody contributing—many Members on both sides of the House—that it is an important issue.

Let me say...

I thank everyone for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to respond to those questions. It is an important debate. I say to the noble Lords, Lord Callanan and Lord Purvis, and to everybody contributing—many Members on both sides of the House—that it is an important issue.

Let me say...

What about the delegation?

What about the delegation?

The noble Lord and I have sparred across the Dispatch Box, but not as much as I would like, if I am honest about it. I just say to him that Mauritius is a country: every now and again, any country in the world that the UK has relationships with...

The noble Lord and I have sparred across the Dispatch Box, but not as much as I would like, if I am honest about it. I just say to him that Mauritius is a country: every now and again, any country in the world that the UK has relationships with...

My Lords, if anyone was left with any lingering doubt about the naivete of losing sovereignty over this base, recent events have emblazoned that folly for all to see. The noble Lord, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, arguably one of the most respected defence experts in the world and defence...

My Lords, if anyone was left with any lingering doubt about the naivete of losing sovereignty over this base, recent events have emblazoned that folly for all to see. The noble Lord, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, arguably one of the most respected defence experts in the world and defence...

The noble Baroness will know that we are not binning the treaty—I think that was the word she used. We will look to take it forward and discussions will continue; it just will not happen in the current Session, because parliamentary time will not allow it. As I said to...

The noble Baroness will know that we are not binning the treaty—I think that was the word she used. We will look to take it forward and discussions will continue; it just will not happen in the current Session, because parliamentary time will not allow it. As I said to...

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Coaker, for his presentation. I have considerable sympathy for the situation that the Government find themselves in, subject to the capricious decisions of the US President. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the State Department, to be...

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Coaker, for his presentation. I have considerable sympathy for the situation that the Government find themselves in, subject to the capricious decisions of the US President. I would love to be a fly on the wall in the State Department, to be...

Let me make one general point. The clash of opinion in this Chamber leads to better policy, done in the way that it is done. I respect challenge from wherever it comes, because that makes for better policy. In that sense, most contributions, even if they are sometimes difficult, are...

Let me make one general point. The clash of opinion in this Chamber leads to better policy, done in the way that it is done. I respect challenge from wherever it comes, because that makes for better policy. In that sense, most contributions, even if they are sometimes difficult, are...

My Lords, the Minister has made it clear that the treaty, as it was, has not been “binned”. If and when there is agreement with the Americans to proceed, will the Government consider also the Maldive interest that has been expressed? If so, have the Government had any formal approach...

My Lords, the Minister has made it clear that the treaty, as it was, has not been “binned”. If and when there is agreement with the Americans to proceed, will the Government consider also the Maldive interest that has been expressed? If so, have the Government had any formal approach...

This is a treaty between the UK and Mauritius with respect to the future of the BIOT, without the involvement of the Maldivian Government. If that is wrong, I will write to the noble and gallant Lord and put it on the record, but that is my understanding.

This is a treaty between the UK and Mauritius with respect to the future of the BIOT, without the involvement of the Maldivian Government. If that is wrong, I will write to the noble and gallant Lord and put it on the record, but that is my understanding.

My Lords, the Minister is not so much a sparrer as a knocker-outer, which is why we love him on this side and why even that lot have to respect him, but I wonder whether he will respond to a question that the whole House has. While it is perfectly...

My Lords, the Minister is not so much a sparrer as a knocker-outer, which is why we love him on this side and why even that lot have to respect him, but I wonder whether he will respond to a question that the whole House has. While it is perfectly...

My noble friend makes an important point. As far as I am aware, numerous Members of your Lordships’ House have met the Chagossian community and numerous ministerial visits have taken place with representatives of the Chagossian community and Chagossians themselves. No doubt those meetings will continue; they are obviously important...

My noble friend makes an important point. As far as I am aware, numerous Members of your Lordships’ House have met the Chagossian community and numerous ministerial visits have taken place with representatives of the Chagossian community and Chagossians themselves. No doubt those meetings will continue; they are obviously important...

My Lords, in response to a question from the Liberal Democrat spokesman Al Pinkerton in the other House about what the collapse of the treaty means in practice for the long-promised right of return for Chagossians, the Minister replied,

“we believe that this is the best route, under Mauritius’s guidance, leading...

My Lords, in response to a question from the Liberal Democrat spokesman Al Pinkerton in the other House about what the collapse of the treaty means in practice for the long-promised right of return for Chagossians, the Minister replied,

“we believe that this is the best route, under Mauritius’s guidance, leading...

My understanding, reading it again in preparing for this Statement, is that there is no right of return as it stands at the present time in the existing arrangements. What is proposed in the treaty allows a right of return for Chagossians to islands other than Diego Garcia. As far...

My understanding, reading it again in preparing for this Statement, is that there is no right of return as it stands at the present time in the existing arrangements. What is proposed in the treaty allows a right of return for Chagossians to islands other than Diego Garcia. As far...

My Lords, I fully understand the sensitivities of the status of the islands in the light of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, but will the Minister confirm that such an opinion does not have the force of law? I impress on the Minister that the view...

My Lords, I fully understand the sensitivities of the status of the islands in the light of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, but will the Minister confirm that such an opinion does not have the force of law? I impress on the Minister that the view...