Graham Stringer

Graham Stringer

Labour — Blackley and Middleton South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026

Debate

Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory

Contribution

Risking the accusation of creeping, Mr Speaker, may I say that it is a great pity that you are not in charge of these negotiations? The deal we have come to, or are coming to, is inexplicable both in principle and in relation to the costs to my constituents. I very much doubt that at the time of the next general election, most Labour candidates, or indeed our manifesto, will point to the yearly cost of £100 million and us giving up ownership of these islands. I am sure that my hon. Friend knows it off by heart, but I will just remind him of page 120 of the Labour manifesto, which states: “Defending our security also means protecting the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, including the Falklands and Gibraltar. Labour will always defend their sovereignty and right to self-determination.” We have not even consulted the Chagossians. Will my hon. Friend not reconsider?

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