Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill

Baroness Goldie Excerpts

Monday 26th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend, the chair of the ISC, for drawing that to our attention. I was not aware that that accusation had been made, but of course it is completely untrue and unfounded. I can only think that these things get bandied around in the heat of debate, but whoever said it might want to consider their words.

[Baroness Goldie (Con)]

My Lords, when challenged about the defence and security implications of the UK-Mauritius treaty, the Government have prayed in aid the United States, Five Eyes and AUKUS. Last week, the President of the United States called the treaty an “act of great stupidity”, Five Eyes is not a military operation alliance, and that leaves only AUKUS. What recent engagement have the Government had with the Australian Department of Defence and what was the response?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We talk with our allies and partners on this constantly, and we continue to talk to our friends in the United States because they are integral to this agreement.