Member

As noble Lords understand, the negotiations were primarily about sovereignty and securing the base on Diego Garcia. It was therefore right that they were between the UK and Mauritius—they were state to state. Noble Lords understand this, whatever they say today. We recognise the importance of these islands to Chagossians. This treaty is the only viable route to any resettlement, which can now move forward under a Mauritian programme. The Chagossians will be able to work on the island and visit Diego Garcia—something that they have not been able to do for a very long time.