There is a prevailing sense of optimism that the Government’s disastrous surrender of the British Indian Ocean Territory will be dropped. This will save us, taxpayers, hundreds of millions of pounds and protect the vital military base on Diego Garcia.
One unexpected consequence of the Government’s treaty with Mauritius was the arrival of displaced Chagossians in Hillingdon. Arriving at Heathrow Airport, these families were fleeing the draconian laws in Mauritius that limit what they can say about their homeland. Upon arrival, these families needed support to start their new lives in the UK and needed access to council and health services in our borough.
Today, in the House of Commons, I asked Ministers at the Foreign Office whether they will do more to support local councils, such as Hillingdon, that have been on the frontline of their mistake.
