FCDO Minister and international law expert to give evidence on Chagos Archipelago Agreement

Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 4pm

Tomorrow the House of Lords International Agreements Committee will be hearing from two witnesses, including the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, on the implications of the sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. The evidence session at 5pm is held in conjunction with the Lords International Relations and Defence Committee who are currently holding an inquiry into the implications of the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago 

Giving evidence at 4:00pm will be: 

• Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE, CMG, KC, judge of the Iran/US Claims Tribunal, former judge at the International Court of Justice 

Topics the session will focus on include: 

• The Government's reasons for negotiating the agreement 

• The legal risks if the treaty is not ratified  

• The impact of the Agreement on the Chagossian community 

• Whether the treaty protects operation of the military base 

Giving evidence at 5:00pm will be: 

• Stephen Doughty, Minister of State (Europe, North America and Overseas Territories), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office 

Topics the session will focus on include: 

• The UK's strategic and security interests in the base on Diego Garcia  

• The cost of the new arrangements with Mauritius  

• Consultation with the Chagossian community 

• Parliamentary scrutiny of the Agreement 

• Legislation required to implement the Agreement 

The sessions will take place on Tuesday 17 June 2025 and can be followed live on Parliament TV.