Defence Secretary and General Sir Jim Hockenhull
remarks on the Chagos Islands deal signed by the Prime Minister
today.
Defence Secretary
Thank you, Prime Minister.
As the world becomes more dangerous, the Diego Garcia military
base becomes more important.
But I want to underline the urgency and uncertainty over the
future control of this UK base.
Within weeks, we faced new legal rulings which would weaken the
UK's full operational sovereignty over this base, and within just
a few years, this irreplaceable military and intelligence base
would become inoperable.
That's why we have taken action today.
That is why the Prime Minister has signed this treaty today,
securing this base for the next 99 years and beyond.
Our allied nations are right behind us and behind this deal - the
US, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada.
Others want to see this base closed. They want to see this deal
collapse - China, Russia, Iran.
The value of this deal is beyond doubt.
Full control of Diego Garcia for the next 99 years and
beyond.
Full control and protection of the electromagnetic spectrum that
priceless intelligence; communications, sensors; radar; a
strengthened buffer zone so we can control the seas and the skies
immediately around Diego Garcia and wider islands up to 100 miles
- an effective veto over any developments or hostile
activities.
And with the base in jeopardy, no action was no option, and
anyone who would argue to abandon this deal would abandon this
base. So let me be clear, the British people and our
British forces are safer today and into the future because of
this deal.
Thank you.
General Sir Jim Hockenhull
Thank you.
I think it's useful to add a military perspective here.
The way we see this is very simple:
Diego Garcia provides a vital capability to our Armed Forces, to
our US allies and for our shared contribution to global
security.
The geography offers immense and irreplaceable global reach,
enabling us to pivot forces westward toward Africa and the Middle
East, or eastward towards Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Added to that are the facilities on the base. It has a deep water
port for nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers; a runway
capable of operating every type of military aircraft, with the
logistical support required for modern operations and the
satellite and communications infrastructure that the Prime
Minister mentioned, it is an unique asset for Britain's defence
and security.
It gives us the ability to deploy a wide range of capabilities
over a huge geography.
Now Diego Garcia provides its worth through the long years of
counter terrorism operations and proves its value today by
supporting our ability to protect maritime trade, it will be of
even greater strategic significance in the future.
It helps keeps the United Kingdom safe and prosperous, and it
allows us to work closely with our international
partners. The use of Diego Garcia by US forces is a
unique contribution to the military relationship between our two
countries, and one that underlines the UK's commitment to burden
sharing. Both our militaries will continue to benefit
from our investment in these facilities for the years to
come. Britain projects military power through Such
alliances and through assets like this base, which give us a
global reach. I welcome the long term certainty that
this treaty brings it will help the British armed forces in our
efforts to support stability abroad and security at
home.
