Bill · started in the Lords

British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill [HL]

A Bill to affirm and protect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom over the Chagos Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory; to make provision restricting the cession or transfer of sovereignty without the approval of Parliament and without the consent of the Chagossian people; to provide for the protection of the Territory’s strategic and defence importance; and for connected purposes.

The story so farThe British Sovereignty Protection (Chagos Islands) Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 5 June 2026 by Lord Weir of Ballyholme (Democratic Unionist Party). It is now at second reading in the House of Lords. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.

Sponsor

• Lord Weir of Ballyholme Democratic Unionist Party Primary sponsor

Progress through Parliament

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 21 Jul 2026.