News analysis

UK and Mauritius sign treaty over Chagos Archipelago to secure UK-US military operations on Diego Garcia

The UK and the Republic of Mauritius have signed a bilateral treaty concerning the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia. The agreement recognises Mauritian sovereignty over the entire territory while allowing the UK—with authorised participation from the US—to operate a joint military base on Diego Garcia. During a related press conference held at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, emphasised the importance of securing the base for national defence, rapid military deployment, and intelligence gathering. He noted that the base provides access to strategic capabilities, including airfield operations, deep-water port facilities, facilities supporting global GPS operations, and equipment for monitoring the nuclear test ban treaty. The Prime Minister also stated that, without the agreement, legal challenges from Mauritius could have undermined the UK’s control over the base and reduced its strategic advantage. The treaty will remain in effect for 99 years.

NISTA and the Teal Book—A new era for UK infrastructure delivery

Construction analysis: The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) and Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) were merged into a single body, the National Infrastructure and Service Authority (NISTA) , on 1 April 2025. On the same date, the government published the ‘Teal Book’, described as a guide for successful project delivery in government. These developments represent a fundamental shift in the government’s approach to infrastructure planning and delivery. In this analysis, Theresa Mohammed and, Partner, and Dom Turner-Harriss, Associate, at Watson Farley & Williams LLP, consider the detail and potential impact of these developments.

Government and EHRC face legal challenge over toilet use guidance

Law360: A group of transgender and intersex individuals launched a legal challenge against the equalities watchdog and a government minister on 16 May 2025, arguing that guidance issued following the UK Supreme Court's watershed ruling on the legal definition of a woman violates human rights law.

SLSC publishes 26th report of session 2024–2025

The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee (SLSC) has published its twenty sixth report of session 2024–2025. The following instrument was drawn to the special attention of the House: Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for Online Safety. The Statement, provided to Ofcom—the independent online safety regulator—sets out the Government’s policy priorities under the Online Safety Act 2023 and details five areas of focus: safety by design; transparency and accountability; agile regulation; inclusivity and resilience; and technology and innovation. It is intended to guide Ofcom in exercising its regulatory functions, with the regulator required to respond to the Statement within 40 days and publish annual progress reviews thereafter. Targeted consultations with civil society organisations indicated broad support for the priorities, although concerns remain regarding the sufficiency of Ofcom’s funding and staffing to handle its extensive responsibilities. The Committee also highlighted the emphasis on ‘algorithmic transparency’ as critical to addressing online harms, while noting the considerable challenges that Ofcom may face in ensuring effective oversight given the commercial sensitivity and international nature of algorithmic processes. The report is drawn to the House’s attention on the grounds of political and legal importance and public policy interest.