Mark Francois MP: written questions
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Written questions
Diego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54645More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 5 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what mechanism
Answer: Under the agreement, the UK shall be responsible for environmental protection on Diego Garcia and the surrounding 12 nautical miles. This shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable international law, and with due regard to applicable Mauritian envi...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54644More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 6 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps he will take to prevent unauthorised acce
Answer: Under the treaty, Mauritius will have the ability to conduct resettlement on any island in the Chagos Archipelago other than Diego Garcia. The UK has no intention of constraining resettlement activity, but has negotiated an effective veto over any activit...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: SecurityMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54643More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 5 of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what estimate he has made of the cost o
Answer: As set out in the new UK-Mauritius Strategic Partnership Framework, Mauritius and the United Kingdom will cooperate on matters relating to maritime security. Further engagement on the details of this cooperation with Mauritius is ongoing. Securing the fut...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordMauritius: SecurityMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54642More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 3 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), how his Department will co-operate with the Governme
Answer: Mauritius and the United Kingdom will cooperate on matters relating to maritime security. Our contribution will focus on providing training and building institutional partnerships. This will contribute to preserving the safety, security, stability and pro...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54641More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 5 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether his Department has contingency plans to addr
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 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54640More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 1(a) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), whether the Agreement permits (a) ac
Answer: In respect of the Chagos Archipelago beyond Diego Garcia, vessels and aircraft of the United Kingdom and the United States of America shall have unrestricted rights of overflight, navigation and undersea access.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54639More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 10 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps will his Department take to determine co
Answer: There are robust security measures in place on Diego Garcia for all employees, contractors and suppliers. These standards will continue to be upheld following entry into force of the treaty.
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesMinistry of DefenceTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54638More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Article 6 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what steps he will take to ensure the resettlement p
Answer: Under the treaty, Mauritius will have the ability to conduct resettlement on any island in the Chagos Archipelago other than Diego Garcia. The UK has no intention of constraining resettlement activity, but has negotiated an effective veto over any activit...
Answered 9 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDiego Garcia: Military BasesForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54637More
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), i
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 about military action from their territory is standard practice in basing arrangements. Additionally, the UN C...
Answered 6 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54636More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 10 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025), what discussi
Answer: The United States has welcomed the Diego Garcia Base Treaty. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that it "secures the operational capabilities of the base and key US national security interests in the region". We have worked closely with the U...
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54635More
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) and the Exchan
Answer: The costs associated with the deal will be split between the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. None of the funds will be classed as development aid.
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54634More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to Article 11(1)(b) of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025) and the
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 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54633More
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), whether the im
Answer: The United Kingdom is not a Party to the Pelindaba Treaty, although it is a Party to Protocols I and II. The United Kingdom will ensure all operations on Diego Garcia will continue to comply with its obligations under applicable international law.
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54632More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(b) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: There are a range of vital facilities and capabilities on the base on Diego Garcia and the surrounding area that keep Britain safe. We do not discuss these publicly for security reasons.
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 30 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54631More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 3(c) of Annex 1 of the document entitled UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia (CS Mauritius No.1/2025)
Answer: The UK has unrestricted ability to control and manage the electromagnetic spectrum for Diego Garcia and the surrounding 12 nautical miles. Decisions related to the electromagnetic spectrum beyond Diego Garcia will be taken jointly by the UK and Mauritius ...
Answered 5 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordDefence: ExpenditureMinistry of DefenceTabled 22 May 2025AnsweredUIN 54237More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the costs for the UK/Mauritius: Agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia [CS Mauritius No.1/2025] are accounted for under his Department's Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit
Answer: These are being considered as part of the wider Government engagement on the second phase of the Spending Review, which concludes on 11 June 2025.
Answered 3 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Social MediaMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52845More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the cost of the investigation into unauthorised social media use by a British Army regiment.
Answer: The Army has investigated a number of social media posts which were published in error and without correct authorisation. Those posts have been removed and updated guidance has been issued to Regimental HQs on the appropriate use of regimental websites an...
Answered 28 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Social MediaMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52844More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the findings of the investigation into unauthorised social media use by a British Army regiment will be made publicly available.
Answer: The Army has investigated a number of social media posts which were published in error and without correct authorisation. Those posts have been removed and updated guidance has been issued to Regimental HQs on the appropriate use of regimental websites an...
Answered 28 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Social MediaMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52843More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timeline is for concluding the investigation into unauthorised social media use by a British Army regiment; and whether he plans to make a Statement to Parliament on the findings of the investiga
Answer: The Army has investigated a number of social media posts which were published in error and without correct authorisation. Those posts have been removed and updated guidance has been issued to Regimental HQs on the appropriate use of regimental websites an...
Answered 28 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Social MediaMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52842More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the terms of reference are for the investigation into unauthorised social media posts by a British Army regiment.
Answer: The Army has investigated a number of social media posts which were published in error and without correct authorisation. Those posts have been removed and updated guidance has been issued to Regimental HQs on the appropriate use of regimental websites an...
Answered 28 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmy: Social MediaMinistry of DefenceTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52841More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who is leading the investigation into unauthorised social media use by a British Army regiment.
Answer: The Army has investigated a number of social media posts which were published in error and without correct authorisation. Those posts have been removed and updated guidance has been issued to Regimental HQs on the appropriate use of regimental websites an...
Answered 28 May 2025
Original Parliament recordChagos Islands: SovereigntyForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 16 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52840More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the UK-Mauritius Treaty on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands will be signed before the House rises for summer recess.
Answer: The Treaty was signed on 22 May and secures the long-term operation of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. A copy of the Treaty was deposited in the House and can be found at the following link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukmauritius...
Answered 2 Jun 2025
Original Parliament recordTerrorism: Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 15 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52588More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) Gerry Adams and (b) others interned without trial in the 1970s do not receive compensation following the proposed repeal of sections 46 and 47 of th
Answer: This is an issue that the previous Government failed to adequately address following the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in Adams. Its belated attempt to do so via an amendment to the Legacy Act has been found by the Northern Ireland courts to be unlawful. Th...
Answered 20 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces: UniformsMinistry of DefenceTabled 15 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52587More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost is of the Crye Precision uniform programme; and whether a replacement combat uniform programme is planned.
Answer: The Royal Navy have spent £15.803 million to date regarding the total procurement of Crye Precision uniforms. A future uniform programme is in development.
Answered 22 May 2025
Original Parliament recordArmed Forces: CommunicationMinistry of DefenceTabled 15 May 2025AnsweredUIN 52586More
Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what budget has been allocated to Project Eve; what the (a) current and (b) anticipated future spend are for that project; and what steps he is taking to ensure interoperability with the (i) Army’s and (ii) Royal
Answer: As part of the Commando Force (CF) Programme, £99.78 million has been spent on spiral development and fielding of the EVE digital backbone capability. A further £56 million budget for EVE is approved as future spend, to enable interoperable development an...
Answered 22 May 2025
Original Parliament record
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