The fight for justice for the Chagossian people has moved into a decisive new stage. Louis Misley Mandarin, lead claimant in the live High Court challenge, has asked the Foreign Affairs Select Committee to hear directly from Chagossian voices before Britain finalises any sovereignty deal with Mauritius.
Addressing supporters outside Parliament on Monday, Mr Mandarin pointed to the serious concerns aired by Committee Chair Emily Thornberry at a recent hearing — among them sovereignty, environmental protection, national security and the rights of the Chagossian people themselves.
He invited Ms Thornberry to meet with him in person, and pressed for any transfer of sovereignty to be put on hold until the Judicial Review, which our campaign is backing, has been heard in the High Court.
His intervention lands as disquiet spreads among Labour MPs over how the Government has handled the talks on the islands’ future — and, above all, its failure to consult the very people whose homeland is on the line.
Mr Mandarin’s appeal comes after confirmation that campaigners’ submitted materials were cited 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.”
Unease is said to be running through Labour’s own ranks, with the prominent Labour figure Emily Thornberry MP understood to be among those troubled by the Government’s refusal to consult the Chagossian community. Committee members of every party are being called on to champion 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 challenge, which cleared its first hurdle in the High Court last week, contends that Ministers acted unlawfully by failing to consult the Chagossians as required under the Equality Act 2010 and by basic principles of fairness. The Court has directed the Government to file its defence by 4 July, with a judge set to review the case around 11 July and a full hearing expected before the month is out.
Campaigners argue that public and political backing is now decisive, and are urging Parliament to pause any sovereignty deal until the legal process has run its course and Chagossians have been 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 likewise backed a pause, cautioning the Government against pressing ahead without proper consultation.
“It turns out even senior Labour MPs are uneasy about this deal. That should serve as a warning. Full consultation is essential, anything less isn’t acceptable.”
“The court battle may be the decisive blow,” Ms Bullivant added, “but the war will be won with the hearts and minds of MPs—and the British people.”
The campaign is still raising public support for the legal costs, which can be donated via its Crowdfunder appeal.
Misley Mandarin’s full speech outside Parliament
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.