Opposition Day Debates (16th Allotted Day)

On the 16th allotted Opposition Day, 28 January 2026, the Conservative Party raised the British Indian Ocean Territory and Youth Unemployment as the topics for debate.

1 British Indian Ocean Territory

The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry responded to the first debate and highlighted that the previous Government held eleven rounds of negotiations with the Government of Mauritius. The Minister stressed that the Government reinforced the terms and introduced a 24-nautical mile buffer zone to the Islands.

As I know the Government has made clear many times, it will never compromise on the UK’s national security. The base is essential to the security of the United Kingdom and our key allies, including the United States. It is one of the most significant contributions to the transatlantic defence and security partnership because of its unique strategic location. In the past, it has helped combat threats from terrorism and hostile states.

I agree with Ministers that the agreement we have struck is vital for protecting our national security because it guarantees the long-term future of a base. The deal was publicly welcomed by the United States, Australia, Canada and other key international partners. I also understand the deal also compares favourably with the cost of the base that the French rent in Djibouti.

It is right that this Bill is subject to reasoned and constructive criticism, and it is right the Government engages with these criticisms in good faith. Scrutiny is still ongoing, and I understand the Government is considering the next steps on programming. To be clear, this deal has no impact on the self-determination of the Falkland Islands. It also does not have any impact on other overseas territories.
I can assure you that the Government will consider the Chagossian community throughout this process. Most recently, I have been glad to see Mauritius put into place,  legislation to enact a Chagossian trust fund, which will be run by Chagossians for Chagossians. I remain focused on delivering a Bill that protects our national security.

The Motion was rejected: Ayes 103, Noes 284. 

2. Youth Unemployment:

Under the last Government, the number of young people not in education, employment or training grew by 45% in just three years – reaching nearly one million by the time it left office. That is why this Government’s commitment to young people’s futures matters so much. I welcome the £1.5 billion investment package planned for the next three years, which will create around 300,000 more opportunities to gain workplace experience and training. This will cover £820 million for a Youth Guarantee to make sure all young people can be earning or learning, and £725 million for the Growth and Skills Levy.

The expanded Youth Guarantee will reach almost 900,000 young people, including through Youth Hubs in every area in Great Britain and a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, which will offer 16 to 24-year-olds a dedicated session, followed by four weeks of intensive support with a Work Coach. This support will identify specific work, training or learning opportunities locally for each young person, and ensure they are supported to take them up. I note that the Government will go further to break the cycle of unemployment by guaranteeing paid work to around 55,000 young people aged 18 to 21 who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

We can leave no stone unturned, and the £500 million national youth strategy will rebuild youth services and help more young people transition into adulthood. A wide-ranging investigation into the causes of youth inactivity has also been launched to develop innovative and cross-cutting policy solutions. This Government is lifting the two-child limit. This will benefit hundreds of thousands of children who will be less likely to experience mental health issues, less likely to be unemployed and more likely to be in work and earning more. These measures are laying the foundations for young people to succeed so that every person, in every part of the country, can fulfil their potential.

The Motion was rejected (Ayes 91, Noes 287) and the amendment in the name of the Prime Minister was resolved.