- The British Indian Ocean Territory Court of Appeal has overturned a previous ruling that granted Chagossian islanders a right of abode, deciding that such constitutional decisions must instead be made by the Court of Appeal in England.
- The legal outcome provides progress for the UK Labour government's proposed deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius whilst leasing back the military base on Diego Garcia.
- Despite this victory for the government, the legal battle will continue into next year, with islanders taking their case to both the English Court of Appeal and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
- The controversial treaty has faced significant delays, complicated by US President Donald Trump withdrawing support and the necessary enabling legislation failing to pass in Parliament before running out of time.
- Lawyers representing the Chagossian islanders have confirmed they will fight on, requesting a legal stay to prevent any changes on the islands while the higher courts review their appeals.
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