British Indian Ocean Territory sovereignty negotiations

That this House congratulates His Majesty’s Government on its decision to begin negotiations with Mauritius concerning sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory) to seek agreement to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with international law including those relating to the former inhabitants; recognises that this is a significant reversal of a long standing policy; acknowledges the tireless campaigning by the Chagos Islands (BIOT) APPG and its Coordinator since 2008, the work of the Chagos Refugees Group and other Chagossian organisations, and the roles played by lawyers, the English and International courts; looks forward to the day when Chagossians who wish to return to the islands are permitted to do so.