Alexandra McGarry

So protecting the national security of our country and our citizens is the utmost priority for this government.

That military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands is a vital and crucial piece of national infrastructure.

We need to secure that base going forward for decades to come.

The Prime Minister has been very, very clear in his conversations with America and with President Trump, and President Trump himself has backed this deal not once, but twice, and the US administration just this week.

He doesn't back it anymore.

put in place their confirmation that this lease was the best deal on the table.

We will be protecting that military base and securing national security going forward for decades to come.

That is the priority of this government.

We'll continue to have conversations with the Americans and with our allies around the world.

But ultimately, what is important is that we secure that base.