Member

The judicial review has been mentioned by the noble Lord, Lord Hammond. Misley Mandarin v the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office concerns fundamental issues arising from the proposed transfer of sovereignty. It has been brought by the Chagossians themselves—the people whose lives, identity, nationality and future are directly affected by this Bill—with help from various people, including the Great British PAC. The judgment as to whether the case can proceed was originally expected to be decided in October; then it was moved to November, and then December. We are now told that judgment will not be handed down until 12 January. It is very strange that this is being rushed through the week before that judgment. By then, of course, if the Government get their way, the Bill will have completed its passage through Parliament.