Update on the Chagos Islands

Many constituents have contacted Will to share their views and concerns about The Chagos Islands. Below is the response Will has been sending to constituents who have written in on this matter, setting out his position and the Liberal Democrats’ approach.

Thank you for your email about the Chagos Islands. I just wanted to update you on the Chagos deal that is going through Parliament at the moment.
 
The UK government’s plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which was set to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday 26 January, has now been withdrawn, amid warnings it could breach a treaty with the USA. The UK Government seems to be hell bent on expensive measures that harm our public services with less funding, increase the national debt but also pose significant security threats.
 
The Liberal Democrats believe the handling of this deal has been deeply shambolic and we have consistently opposed the Chagos deal.
 
The recent defeat of the Government’s approach in the House of Lords underlines just how poorly this process has been managed. It reflects serious concern across Parliament about the lack of transparency, scrutiny, and democratic accountability surrounding the deal.
 
Because of decisions taken by the Conservatives, Parliament’s hands were tied when it came to the agreement. Under this Labour Government, that lack of scrutiny has continued, leaving the public and the Chagossian community sidelined while uncertainty remains over the future of British sovereign territory.
 
It is also striking to hear concern from the Conservatives now, given it was their Foreign Secretary who first signalled the UK’s intention to pursue an agreement in this form.
 
At the very least, the Government must commit to giving Members of Parliament a final say on any future deal agreed with Mauritius. My party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller MP, has been clear that Parliament must not be bypassed on an issue of this importance, and we hope to defeat the government again in the House of Commons on this matter.
 
Kind regards,
 
Will

Will Forster
Member of Parliament for Woking 

Will is grateful to everyone who has taken the time to get in touch. Hearing directly from constituents helps inform his work in Parliament and his ongoing engagement with the Government on issues that matter to Woking.