The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo made the following statement to Parliament earlier today following the UK’s decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

“The United Kingdom has made the right decision on the Chagos Islands.

“This is a decision that protects national security while respecting international law. 

“The read across to Gibraltar is positive and is particularly relevant in the defence of British Sovereignty over the whole of the territory and the British Territorial Waters around the Rock. 

“I am very clear that there is no aspect of this decision, the Advisory Opinion or the Treaty being entered into which has any negative read across to Gibraltar. 

“In fact, quite the opposite is true. 

“Prime Minister Starmer, Foreign Secretary Lammy and Minister Doughty enjoy my Government's full support in the implementation of this decision and I know that we enjoy their full support in the defence of full British Sovereignty in respect of the whole of Gibraltar and its waters.”