A New Beginning: Resettling the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Islands) sets out a practical, modern blueprint for restoring a Chagossian community to the outer islands under continued British sovereignty. Updating the 2015 KPMG feasibility study, the report demonstrates that advances in renewable energy, desalination, telecommunications and modular construction now make carefully regulated resettlement both technically achievable and economically viable. It outlines how a small, security-vetted population can strengthen environmental stewardship, support marine protection and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the territory.

The report also addresses the wider legal, political and strategic context. It proposes a phased constitutional model similar to other UK Overseas Territories, ensuring self-government in domestic matters while safeguarding defence and foreign policy. Crucially, it shows that resettlement can reinforce UK sovereignty, enhance the operational resilience of Diego Garcia, and provide a responsible alternative that aligns national security, environmental protection and the right of the Chagossian people to return home.

This paper is supported by:

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP

Baroness (Arlene) Foster

Lord (Henry) Bellingham

Baroness (Kate) Hoey

Lord (Peter) Weir

Lord (Ross) Kempsell

Andrew Rosindell MP

Lord (Daniel) Hannan

Lord (Craig) Mackinley

Lord (Peter) Lilley

Baroness (Catherine) Meyer

Graham Stringer MP

Earl of Leicester

Gavin Robinson MP

Lord (Maurice) Glasman

Lord (William) McCrea

Lord (Simon) Murray

Lord (Nigel) Dodds

Jim Allister MP

Lord (Nigel) Biggar

Lord (Maurice) Morrow

Gregory Campbell MP

This paper was written by:

Initial draft by: Dr Christie
Research writers: Aiden Watler, Imogen Bath, Jennifer Penelope-Lebrasse, Daniel Toft, Alice Choi, Christopher Howarth
Graphics: Ash Kite
Editors: Aiden Watler, Robert Midgley, Daniel Toft