Michael Polak comments across the national press on his clients taking the Foreign Office to court over proposed deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius

Michael Polak has provided comment across the national press on his clients, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, bringing legal action against Sir Keir Starmer’s ‘unlawful’ proposed deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

Ms Dugasse and Ms Pompeare claim that the islands should remain under British control, and both want the right to return to live where they were born.

Commenting on the claim, Michael said: “The Government’s attempt to give away the Chagossians’ homeland whilst failing to hold a formal consultation with the Chagossian people is a continuation of their terrible treatment by the authorities in the past.

“They remain the people with the closest connection to the islands, but their needs and wishes are being ignored.”

Michael is being led by Kevin Dent KC from No 5 Chambers.

Michael’s comments were published across the national press, including in The Times, The Daily Mail and The Telegraph, 17 March 2025.