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Lord Coaker (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 10 September 2026

Debate

Defence Spending

Contribution

I have seen various figures around the Chagos deal and where the funding may go. The previous Government sought to ensure that the Diego Garcia base was maintained; they were in negotiations about that. This Government are determined that ,whatever the rights and wrongs of the debate—this debate will continue whatever the Government go forward with—the fundamental principle, accepted by both the previous Government and this one, is that we have to make sure that one of the most strategically important bases to our nation, and to the defence of democracy and freedom, is maintained at Diego Garcia. That is the intent of this Government.

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