Member

In this regard, I also welcome Amendments 20D and 20E from my noble friend Lord Kempsell. Both amendments address similar issues: namely, the fact that Mauritius is to have a say on the presence of non-UK and non-US military personnel at the base. If the treaty permits the operation of the base to continue as it does currently, which is what the Government have claimed, then why should we have to consult with Mauritius on the presence of our allies at the base? Surely whether French forces are welcome at the base is a matter for the United Kingdom, not Mauritius. Similarly, why should Mauritius have any say over the placement of installations if those are related to the defence of the base? I look forward to the Minister’s response.