A landmark judicial review has been launched in the High Court by Chagossians Louis Michel Mandarin and Louis Misley Mandarin (founder of the Biot Citizens) to prevent the UK Government from signing away sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius without lawful consultation of the Chagossian people. The case, supported by the Great British PAC and led by barristers James Tumbridge and KC Philip Rule, challenges the Government’s exclusion of Chagossians from a process affecting their land and identity.

Key points of the case highlight the UK Government’s admission of lacking formal consultation regarding sovereignty negotiations, which breaches the Equality Act 2010 and established administrative fairness principles. The claimants argue that decisions made without Chagossian input are unjust and unlawful, citing legal precedents that protect the rights of groups affected by such decisions.

The Great British PAC is urging the Government to suspend parliamentary processes related to the deal until the case is resolved, emphasizing the need for full consultation with the Chagossian people. The case is set to be heard in July 2025, and the claimants are calling on Members of Parliament to resist any sovereignty transfer to avoid perpetuating historical injustices.