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Chagos Islands Sovereignty Shift Sparks Controversy in UK Parliament

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill passed Parliament by 149 votes, transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Critics, including Wendy Morton (Shadow Foreign Office Minister), allege Mauritius is negotiating with China and Russia, undermining UK interests.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty dismissed these claims, saying the treaty bars foreign bases.
The bill will undergo further examination in the House of Lords.

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Story summary

The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill passed Parliament by 149 votes, transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
Critics, including Wendy Morton (Shadow Foreign Office Minister), allege Mauritius is negotiating with China and Russia, undermining UK interests.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty dismissed these claims, saying the treaty bars foreign bases.
The bill will undergo further examination in the House of Lords.