Bill · started in the Commons

British Indian Ocean Territory (Sovereignty and Constitutional Arrangements) Bill

A Bill to make provision about sovereignty and constitutional arrangements in respect of the British Indian Ocean Territory, also known as the Chagos Archipelago; to prohibit the making of payments of public funds to the government of another country in connection with the sovereignty or constitutional arrangements of the British Indian Ocean Territory, unless authorised by Parliament; to require the Secretary of State to consult and engage with British Chagossians in relation to any proposed changes to the sovereignty and constitutional arrangements of the British Indian Ocean Territory; and for connected purposes.

The story so farThe British Indian Ocean Territory (Sovereignty and Constitutional Arrangements) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 June 2025 by Priti Patel (Conservative). It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.

Sponsor

• Priti Patel Conservative Primary sponsor

Progress through Parliament

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 23 Jun 2026.