§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements the US has made with the UK Government over their use of Diego Garcia; what British forces are stationed on the island; what plans the Government have to increase the UK's facilities there; and if he will make a statement. [10113]
§ Mr. BradshawThere are a series of bilateral agreements between the UK and US concerning the availability and use of Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, for defence purposes. The Territory remains available to meet the defence needs of both Governments, while remaining under UK sovereignty.
There are currently approximately 40 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel based on Diego Garcia. There are no plans to increase the UK's facilities there.