Mark Francois MP: written questions

604 published records · newest first.

Written questions

Diego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56699More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to put in place (a) further provisions and (b) enforc
Answer: The United Kingdom will have full control and responsibility for the defence and security of Diego Garcia. Mauritius has a legally binding obligation under the treaty to not undermine, prejudice or otherwise interfere with the long-term, secure and effect...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected AreasMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56698More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Annex 1(1)(i) of the treaty entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what steps he is taking to prevent artificial (a)
Answer: The United Kingdom controls access to Diego Garcia under Annex 1.1.b and only the United Kingdom has unrestricted ability to manage, use and develop the land and surrounding waters and seabed in Diego Garcia. Mauritius and the United Kingdom will jointly ...
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56168More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 14(1)(h) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what th
Answer: Article 14 of the Treaty sets out the role of the Joint Commission in resolving disputes while Annex 3 paragraph 6 sets out the functions of the Joint Commission. All decisions of the Joint Commission require the agreement of both parties.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean TerritoryForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56167More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11(1)(h) of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, what data sources he plan
Answer: As stated in the Finance Exchange of Letters, all annual payments from the 14th year onwards shall be the value of the preceding annual payment adjusted for inflation using the Gross Domestic Product ("GDP") Deflator for the preceding calendar y...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56166More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 2 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, if he will make an assessment of
Answer: The International Organisations exchange of letters that was laid alongside the treaty states clearly that the UK's membership of the North Indian Ocean Hydrographic Commission (NIOHC) will change from a 'Full Member' to an 'Associate Member' following en...
Answered 11 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean Territory: Nature ConservationMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56165More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to take steps with the government of Mauritius to help ensure the Die
Answer: The Diego Garcia Ramsar Convention site is currently protected without compromising military activities. There will be no change to this once the agreement comes into force. The agreement provides an obligation to ensure the long-term, secure and effectiv...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagossians: Government AssistanceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56164More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, whether he plans to put in plac
Answer: As outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum, the UK will capitalise a Trust Fund established by Mauritius for the benefit of Chagossians. The Mauritian government will oversee the fund, but the UK will work with them to develop its details during implementa...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagossians: ResettlementForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56163More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3 of the Exchange of Letters concerning the Implementation and Interpretation of Article 11 of the UK/Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Ar
Answer: Under the agreement, Mauritius will be able to resettle the islands, other than Diego Garcia. It will be for Mauritius to set the terms of and manage any future resettlement. As fellow commonwealth members we expect Mauritius to ensure compliance, like th...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean Territory: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 2 Jun 2025AnsweredUIN 56162More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 16(a) of Annex 2 of the UK-Mauritius Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia, published on 22 May 2025, how the Government plans to apply the definition of p
Answer: The United Kingdom controls access, and therefore authorisations, for all persons permitted to be on Diego Garcia. Any person present without authorisation is a person not connected to the operation of the base.
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Terrorism: Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54686More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52588 on Terrorism: Northern Ireland, what his Department's planned timeline is to complete its exploration of lawful measures to prevent (a) Gerry Adams
Answer: The original Supreme Court ruling in this case was in 2020, and in February 2024 the High Court in Northern Ireland found the provisions in S.46 and 47 of the Legacy Act 2023, which concerned Interim Custody Orders, to be incompatible with the European Co...
Answered 4 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54685More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(d) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: The authorisation of any non-UK, non-US or non-Mauritian security forces will be agreed jointly between the UK and Mauritius. This means that it can only happen if the UK agrees. Our approach on that will be determined by an analysis of whether the presen...
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: PoliceForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54684More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 8 of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), i
Answer: The UK will support the exercise of jurisdiction of Mauritius on Diego Garcia over (i) Mauritian nationals who are not members of UK armed forces or of US personnel, and (ii) all persons not connected to the operation of the Base. This ensures that Maurit...
Answered 6 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54683More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 18 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if he will se
Answer: The explanatory memorandum in sections 4 and section 5 sets out the process for both Entry into force and implementation.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54682More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 6(e) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: Both sides have negotiated this Agreement in good faith and we are confident that Mauritius intends to uphold it in full, just as we will. Were an issue to arise in relation to the interpretation or application of the Agreement, that would be resolved in ...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54681More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), t
Answer: Any notification will take place after the event and will not require the UK to divulge sensitive information. Agreement to inform a host nation is standard practice in many such arrangements, while the UN Charter itself has a requirement to notify the UN...
Answered 6 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54680More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps he has taken to
Answer: This government and previous governments have repeatedly stated we deeply regret the way Chagossians were removed from the Islands. The UK provided compensation in the 1980s that courts have ruled was paid in full and final settlement. The Agreement will ...
Answered 13 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Mauritius: Economic SituationForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54679More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what oversigh
Answer: Full details of the mechanisms of use for the development framework grant will be agreed between the UK and Mauritius during the implementation period, before the first payment of the grant in year 4 of the Agreement.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean Territory: DrugsForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54678More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 3(3) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), how his De
Answer: The new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework will provide a comprehensive mechanism for delivering for the UK and Mauritius, including on areas such as narco-trafficking. UK and Mauritian Ministers will meet in the coming months to finalise the pa...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
British Indian Ocean Territory: Marine Protected AreasForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54677More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5(2) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what estima
Answer: The Blue Belt Programme, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office, currently supports BIOT to manage the current Marine Protected Area. As the Treaty states, the terms of the management and support provided by the UK to Mauritiu...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54676More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 4 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps he
Answer: The agreement protects the operations on Diego Garcia to ensure the security of the UK and our allies, which is why it has been welcomed by the US and other 5 Eyes partners.The UK will ensure all operations on Diego Garcia will continue to comply with its...
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Chagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54675More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), if will list the measures i
Answer: The costs of the Treaty have been published in the Finance Exchange of Letters, laid in Parliament together with the Treaty on 22 May.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54674More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 2(3)(g) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department is taking to ensure
Answer: The United Kingdom is not bound by Mauritian environmental law. Under Article 5, the UK will apply applicable international environmental law with due regard to applicable Mauritian environmental laws; this reflects the long-standing Defence policy of app...
Answered 10 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54673More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 7 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what mechanism his Department will use
Answer: A Joint Commission will oversee the implementation of the treaty and will discuss issues relating to the effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54672More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 9(1) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), how he will exercise (a) prescriptive and (b) adj
Answer: The prescriptive enforcement and adjudicative jurisdiction afforded to the United Kingdom under the agreement enables the UK to write, enforce, and adjudicate laws applicable on Diego Garcia. The detail of His Majesty’s Government's approach will be set o...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record
Diego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54671More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 8(b) of Annex 2 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps his Department plans to t
Answer: As per paragraph 10 of Annex 2, the UK and Mauritius will be agreeing separate arrangements and operating procedures as necessary to assist and facilitate the exercise of Mauritian jurisdiction in respect to paragraph 8. There will be no additional facili...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament record

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