Friends of the British Overseas Territories Welcomes Withdrawal of the Chagos Islands Bill

Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT) has welcomed the withdrawal of the Chagos Islands Bill, describing it as an important moment for Chagossian communities and for the future governance of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

For several years, FOTBOT has worked alongside Chagossian groups, parliamentarians, legal experts and other civil society partners who raised concerns about the implications of the Bill. This collaborative effort played a meaningful role in ensuring the legislation did not progress.

FOTBOT is now urging the UK Government to take a measured step back and ensure that Chagossians themselves are placed at the centre of any future decisions affecting the territory. Any future process must be grounded in genuine self‑determination that provides long‑term stability for the islands and reduces the likelihood of future international legal disputes.

James Lunn, Chief Executive of Friends of the British Overseas Territories, said:

“Chagossians have waited far too long to have a meaningful say in their own future. The withdrawal of this Bill is a welcome development, but it must be followed by a clear commitment to self‑determination. A settlement shaped by the Chagossian people themselves offers the best path to lasting stability and to safeguarding the territory from recurring challenges in international courts.”

FOTBOT states that it will continue working with Chagossian communities and other stakeholders to support a constructive and inclusive approach to the territory’s future.