British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL] 2026-27

affirm and protect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom over the Chagos Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory; to make provision restricting the cession or transfer of sovereignty without the approval of Parliament and without the consent of the Chagossian people; to provide for the protection of the Territory’s strategic and defence importance; and for connected purposes.

Private Members' Bill (Starting in the House of Lords)

What is this Bill?

The British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL] is a Lords Private Members' Bill tabled by Lord Weir of Ballyholme.

Is this Bill currently before Parliament?

Yes. This Bill was introduced on 05 June 2026 and is currently before Parliament.

Whose idea is this Bill?

As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an Member of the House of Lords (Lord Weir of Ballyholme), not the Government.

What type of Bill is this?

Lords Private Members' Bills can be tabled by any member, at any time during the Session. A number of Lords may win ballot slots to receive precedence in the Lords.

So is this going to become a law?

Lords PMBs are extremely unlikely to become law. Unless the Bill receives unanimous support from MPs and can pass 2nd Reading in the Commons without debate, it will not proceed further in the Bill process.

Would you like to know more?

See these Glossary articles for more information: Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill

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