The campaign for justice for the Chagossian people has entered a new phase, as Louis Misley Mandarin, lead claimant in the ongoing High Court challenge, has called on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee to formally hear from Chagossian voices before any UK sovereignty deal with Mauritius is finalised.
Speaking outside Parliament on Monday, Mr Mandarin highlighted serious concerns raised by Committee Chair Emily Thornberry at a recent hearing, including issues of sovereignty, environmental protection, national security, and the rights of the Chagossian people.
Mr Mandarin urged Ms Thornberry to meet with him directly and called for the suspension of any sovereignty transfer until the Judicial Review, backed by the Great British PAC, is heard in the High Court.
The intervention comes amid growing unease among Labour MPs about the Government’s handling of negotiations over the future of the Chagos Islands, particularly its failure to consult the very people whose homeland is at stake.
Misley’s outreach follows confirmation that materials submitted by campaigners were referenced in Parliamentary questions during a recent oral evidence session of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Louis Misley Mandarin, Chagossian claimant and campaigner, said:
“We are grateful that some MPs are listening. Now we ask the Foreign Affairs Committee to hear directly from Chagossians. Our fate should not be decided behind closed doors, without our voices. We are British citizens, and we deserve to be heard in our own Parliament.”
There is reported discontent within Labour ranks, with Emily Thornberry MP, a prominent Labour politician, understood to be among those upset by the Labour Government’s failure to consult the Chagossian community. Committee members from across parties are being urged to take up the issue in the name of democracy, justice, and transparency.
Claire Bullivant, CEO of the Great British PAC, which is backing the legal case, said:
“There is now a real chance for Parliament, and especially Labour backbenchers, to step up. This is not just a question of foreign policy; it’s about whether we listen to the voices of a displaced British people. Misley’s offer to speak to the Committee is the right step at the right time. Parliament must not look the other way.”
The legal case, which passed its first hurdle in the High Court last week, argues that the Government acted unlawfully by failing to consult the Chagossians under the Equality Act 2010 and basic principles of fairness. The Court has ordered the Government to file its defence by 4 July, and a judge will review the case around 11 July, with a full hearing likely before the end of the month.
Campaigners say public and political support is now crucial. They are urging Parliament to pause any sovereignty deal until the legal process concludes and Chagossians are given a formal say.
Former Leader of the House Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, said: “It would be normal for Parliament to now suspend any progress relating to Chagos’ sovereignty until the Court has ruled.”
Conservative MP Bradley Thomas also backed a pause, warning the Government against moving forward without proper consultation.
“It turns out even senior Labour MPs are uneasy about this deal,” he said. “That should serve as a warning. Full consultation is essential, anything less isn’t acceptable.”
“The court battle may be the decisive blow,” said Bullivant, “but the war will be won with the hearts and minds of MPs—and the British people.”
The campaign continues to seek public support for legal costs via:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/savechagos
READ MISLEY MANDARIN’S FULL SPEECH OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT HERE:
Hello. I’m Misley Mandarin. I’ve come here to Parliament today because I believe the Chagos Agreement deserves far more public scrutiny than it’s had.
Just last week, in this building behind me, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee — chaired by Emily Thornberry — asked some serious, urgent questions about the deal that’s been signed between the UK and Mauritius.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about diplomatic paperwork. This is about sovereignty, security, environmental protection, and justice for the Chagossian people.
The Chair of the Committee, Emily Thornberry, raised real concerns.
She questioned whether Parliament had been properly consulted on such a significant treaty. She asked whether the treaty would actually protect one of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems — or whether Chinese vessels could simply move in the moment we hand the islands over.
She pressed for clarity on how and when these islands — which are of vital strategic importance — will be transferred, and whether any safeguards at all will be in place when that happens.
She even asked whether British Chagossians might be denied the right to return, while others with no link to the islands might be allowed to settle there.
These aren’t minor details. These are fundamental questions of democratic accountability, environmental integrity, and national interest.
So today, I’m inviting Emily Thornberry and the Foreign Affairs Select Committee to meet with me directly to talk about the Chagos Agreement — transparently, accountably, and responsibly.
I’m not here to play politics. I’m here because I believe the British public deserves to know the full truth — before irreversible decisions are made.
Chair Thornberry, your questions matter. We share your concerns. And I’d welcome the chance to sit down with the Committee and continue this important conversation.
Thanks to the backing of the Great British PAC, I’ll be taking the government to the High Court in just a few weeks’ time, seeking a Judicial Review of the Chagos Agreement.
Until the Court has ruled, I call on Parliament to suspend any process related to the transfer of sovereignty.
Justice demands no less.
And I hope to meet with the Foreign Affairs Select Committee very soon.
Thank you.
