Member

This Bill is, as we have said many times, a political choice. Ministers could have chosen not to do it, and they could have done the right thing. Ministers could have chosen to consult the Chagossian people before they agreed this treaty. They could have held a referendum of the Chagossian people, and again they chose not to. The Government should stop hiding behind the potential decisions of international courts and take ownership of the treaty for which they are responsible. They have chosen not to consult the Chagossians before proceeding. We disagree with that in the strongest possible terms and we will support amendments that would deliver the referendum that the Chagossian people morally deserve. I beg to move.