The statement made by John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 22 May 2025.
Thank you, Prime Minister.
As the world becomes more dangerous, the Diego Garcia military base becomes more important.
But I want to underline the urgency and uncertainty over the future control of this UK base.
Within weeks, we faced new legal rulings which would weaken the UK’s full operational sovereignty over this base, and within just a few years, this irreplaceable military and intelligence base would become inoperable.
That’s why we have taken action today.
That is why the Prime Minister has signed this treaty today, securing this base for the next 99 years and beyond.
Our allied nations are right behind us and behind this deal – the US, Australia, New Zealand, India, Canada.
Others want to see this base closed. They want to see this deal collapse – China, Russia, Iran.
The value of this deal is beyond doubt.
Full control of Diego Garcia for the next 99 years and beyond.
Full control and protection of the electromagnetic spectrum that priceless intelligence; communications, sensors; radar; a strengthened buffer zone so we can control the seas and the skies immediately around Diego Garcia and wider islands up to 100 miles – an effective veto over any developments or hostile activities.
And with the base in jeopardy, no action was no option, and anyone who would argue to abandon this deal would abandon this base. So let me be clear, the British people and our British forces are safer today and into the future because of this deal.
Thank you.