DIEGO GARCIA

Early day motion 1680, tabled 16 September 2004 by Alan Meale (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House recalls that between 1967 and 1973 and at the behest of the UK Government under its colonial powers, more than 1,500 Diego Garcia islanders were removed from their homelands following a request from the US to lease the islands chain for military purposes; is aware one of the main reasons given at the time was that the islands were unfit for human habitation, precarious and unable to sustain human life; notes that currently 1,500 US and UK military personnel, together with over 2,000 civilian contractors reside on the islands, which were described in recent US Navy recruitment literature as being one of the world's best kept secrets, boasting unbelievable recreational facilities, exquisite natural beauty and outstanding living conditions; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to admit its past failures, as the territorial power, to protect the rights and wellbeing of indigenous Diego Gacians and immediately to take whatever steps necessary to ensure their right of return.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 17, Scottish National Party 5, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Conservative 2.