Thank you to those constituents who have contacted me about the Chagos Islands. Since its creation, the British Overseas Territories and the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia have had a contested existence and it has been challenged through various international courts and tribunals, threatening the long-term, secure operation of the base.

However, we should not have to choose between breaking international law and risking national security which is why I support the Government’s treaty with the Mauritian Government regarding the Chagos Islands. The treaty has now been presented to Parliament for scrutiny and I understand a Bill will follow shortly, which I’m sure will debate these concerns.

By signing this deal, the Government has secured full operational control of the key military base on Diego Garcia and strengthened the UK-US defence partnership. Without the base, the UK’s ability to defend our interests, protect our troops around the world and deter terrorist activity would be at risk. As the world becomes more dangerous, Diego Garcia becomes more important to our national security.

I understand concerns around the financial cost of the agreement but a payment over 99 years was key in protecting the UK-US base, with the cost of this deal less than 0.2% of the annual defence budget.

The Government has restated its commitment to supporting Chagossians in the UK, with all Chagossians remaining eligible for British citizenship and able to make a home in the UK. I also understand the Government has financed a £40 million trust fund for Mauritius to support the Chagossian community.

It is important to note that this will be a unique agreement and that the Government has stressed that it has no bearing on wider UK Government policy regarding other Overseas Territories. The treaty will secure the Diego Garcia military base for generations to come, protecting national and global security.

Thank you once again for contacting me about the importance of the Chagos Islands.

Best wishes

Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland