The Government is facing mounting pressure after a new YouGov poll, commissioned by Great British PAC, revealed a clear national consensus that the Chagossian people should be given a vote on the future of the Chagos Islands, with support cutting across every main political party (73–83%), age group (66%–79%) and socio-economic classification (71%–73%).
The survey of 2,158 adults across the United Kingdom, conducted on 15th–16th March 2026, shows that 72% of the public believe the Chagossian people should have a vote on whether or not sovereignty of the islands is transferred to Mauritius, compared to just 6% who think they should not.
Support for a vote spans every party voted for at the 2024 general election. Among those who voted in 2024, 74% of Conservative voters, 74% of Labour voters, 83% of Liberal Democrat voters, 73% of Reform voters and 82% of Green voters all back giving the Chagossian people a say.
Across age groups, both younger (73%) and older (79%) Britons strongly support a vote, and backing is consistent across socio-economic groups (71%–73%), underlining that this is not a partisan issue but a fundamental question of democratic rights.
The findings point to one of the clearest expressions of public opinion seen in recent polling, suggesting the Government risks being seen as out of step with the country if it proceeds without consulting the Chagossian people.
The issue is further heightened by the fact that many Chagossians themselves have consistently expressed a desire to remain under British sovereignty, raising serious questions about proceeding with any transfer without their direct consent.
Claire Bullivant, CEO of Great British PAC, which commissioned the poll, said:
This is one of the clearest messages you will ever see from the British public.
Across every main party — Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, Reform and Green 2024 general election voters — and across every age group and background, people are saying the same thing: the Chagossian people must have a vote.
This is not a marginal view, it is an overwhelming national consensus.
When nearly three quarters (72%) of adults in the UK are calling for something as fundamental as the right to self-determination, it is simply not credible for the Government to ignore it.
It is even more concerning given that many Chagossians themselves have made clear they wish to remain British.
If ministers proceed without giving them a say, they will be acting in direct contradiction not only to the British public, but to the wishes of the Chagossian community itself.
Dame Priti Patel said:
Throughout the entire process for his appalling Chagos Surrender, Keir Starmer has sought to sideline the Chagossian people. His refusal to properly consult with Chagossians over this planned transfer of sovereignty confirms that he considers them an irrelevance and an inconvenience. Most people can see the Chagos Surrender for what it is: a betrayal that undermines our national security and rides roughshod over the Chagossian community.
The strength and consistency of the polling indicates that public expectations are clear: decisions about the future of the Chagos Islands should not be taken without the direct involvement of the Chagossian people.
Key findings
- 72% of Britons say the Chagossian people should have a vote on whether or not sovereignty of the Chagos Islands is transferred to Mauritius
- Only 6% oppose a vote
- Support exceeds 70% across all the main political parties voted for at the 2024 GE (73%–83%)
- 83% of those who voted Liberal Democrat at the 2024 GE support a vote
- Strong backing for a vote is consistent across all age groups (66%–79%) and socio-economic groups (71%–73%)
ENDS
The full YouGov data tables are available to download here: YouGov / Great British PAC full data tables (PDF).
Notes to editors
This polling was commissioned and funded by Great British PAC.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,158 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 15th–16th March 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
Full tables available on request.