Скачать или смотреть Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill | 20 October 2025

On 20 October 2025, Dr Al Pinkerton MP spoke powerfully against the Government’s Chagos Islands Bill, arguing that it fails the Chagossian people and continues decades of injustice.

He warned that the treaty offers no guaranteed right of return, no binding resettlement plan, and no real protection of Chagossian rights. While supporting negotiations with Mauritius, he made clear that this must never come at the expense of Chagossian dignity.

The Liberal Democrats tabled seven amendments to strengthen transparency, protect the marine environment, and enshrine Chagossian self-determination — including a call for a referendum of the Chagossian people themselves.

As Dr Pinkerton reminded the House, this is not just about territory, but about justice, belonging, and moral responsibility to those who call the Chagos Islands home.