Member

This short debate is named for the trust fund. But when we talk about trust, the trust that the British people have placed in this Government to do the right thing has been unnecessarily and inexplicably squandered and abused. In June, the noble Baroness, Lady Liddell, told your Lordships that this was a good deal for the Mauritians, who are truly getting something for nothing and being paid for the privilege. But being good for the Mauritians is not the test. The question is whether it is a good deal for the Chagossians and whether this Bill, which weakens both them and us, can at least safeguard an endowment that will be used for its intended purpose, with the control and consent of those who will benefit from it.