Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on negotiations with Mauritius over the British Indian Ocean Territory / Chagos Archipelago; and what steps he is taking to ensure the continued effective operation of the military base on Diego Garcia.

The joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia plays a crucial role in combating some of the most challenging threats to regional and international security.

The UK and Mauritius have conducted several rounds of negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory. This work is being led by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement between our two countries will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.