Government Silences Chagossians Again with Shameful Treaty, Says Baroness Foster

No Self-Determination, No Return, No Dignity: MP Slams Chagos Islands Deal

On Monday I was due to speak in the Commons debate on the Government’s surrender of the Chagos Islands. Despite leaving Belfast in plenty of time, late planes, trains, and tubes meant I arrived three minutes into the debate. Government whips refused to allow me to speak – unsurprising given I would have opposed this shameful treaty.

I had intended to highlight the disgraceful treatment of Chagossians living in the UK. As a parliamentary advisor to the Friends of the British Overseas Territories, I have met many proud Chagossians. Bernadette Dugasse told me she had never been Mauritian and never would be. Misley Mandarin, who served in our armed forces, described the pitiful Government engagement – a couple of Zoom calls – before signing away his homeland. He is rightly challenging the treaty in court.

Frankie Bontemps wants three things: self-determination, the right to return, and dignity – all denied by this Government as they trample Chagossian hopes, just as Labour did in the 1960s.

This was a political decision, not a legal one. The only mention of Chagossians is a Trust Fund they will not benefit from. The treaty should be dropped solely because of their disgraceful treatment.

Join our free subscriber list [and pass it on to anyone who might benefit.]