FCDO: All Documents

Written Question

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Friday 20th June 2025

Asked by: Priti Patel (Conservative - Witham)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56193 on Chagos Islands: Sovereignty, whether sanctions would be placed on Mauritius should the confidentiality of notifications be breached.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

There is no notification requirement for UK or US access, basing or over-flights around the base. Agreement to inform a host nation about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Article 3(2) of the treaty clearly states that Mauritius cannot undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effective operation of the Base on Diego Garcia, and that Mauritius shall cooperate to that end.

Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes. It is expected that the majority of security concerns that arise during the implementation of the Agreement will be resolved via the Joint Commission. If an issue arises that relates to the essential security interests of either the United Kingdom or Mauritius, which cannot be settled through the Joint Commission, Clause 3 of Article 14 provides the ability for direct Prime Ministerial consultation.

Written Question

Chagos Islands: Seas and Oceans

Friday 20th June 2025

Asked by: Priti Patel (Conservative - Witham)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether Mauritius will be able to conduct marine research activities (a) on Diego Garcia, (b) in the 12 nautical mile zone from Diego Garcia, (c) in the 12 nautical mile to 24 nautical mile zone and (d) in the Chagos Archipelago.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

I refer the Right Honourable Member to the answer of 11 June 2025 to question 54739.

Written Question

Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Friday 20th June 2025

Asked by: Priti Patel (Conservative - Witham)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 54744 on British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals before the end of the 21-day period set through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

Primary legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Written Question

Hong Kong: Politics and Government

Friday 20th June 2025

Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has his Department made of the effect of the Hong Kong National Security Law on the (a) safety and (b) rights of (i) British Nationals (Overseas) passport holders and (ii) their families in (A) cases of transnational repression targeting relatives of exiled activists and (B) other matters.

Answered by Catherine West - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

China's imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong has seen opposition stifled and dissent criminalised. It has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers. This government has consistently called on Beijing to repeal the National Security Law, including its extraterritorial reach. The UK is clear that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm critics overseas, are unacceptable. In June, myself and the Security Minister met those recently targeted by Hong Kong police with arrest warrants.