Overview
- The House of Lords refused to back the final reading of the Diego Garcia and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill and attached a regret motion, forcing more Commons consideration.
- Peers backed changes requiring full cost disclosure, tighter parliamentary oversight, a community referendum for Chagossians, and a clause to halt payments if the base becomes unusable.
- The treaty would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while leasing Diego Garcia to the UK for 99 years with at least £120 million in annual payments and a £40 million fund for displaced people.
- Ministers argue the deal is needed to safeguard UK‑US operations and head off international legal risks, while critics cite far higher potential costs and accuse the government of a poor bargain.
- A High Court ruling is due on a Chagossian challenge alleging the government failed to consult them, as the exiled leadership continues to oppose the handover and seeks external intervention.