A judge has granted an injunction to halt steps to remove four Chagossians who have landed on the Chagos Islands, on an island that is about 120 miles from the military base of Diego Garcia. The Chagossians are represented by Mr Philip Rule KC of No5 Chambers and Mr James Tumbridge of Keystone Law.

On 16 February 2026, the Claimants, who are Chagossians by birth or descent, and include a father and son, include the elected First Minister of the Chagossian Government-in-Exile, Mr Misley Mandarin. They were assisted by a former MP to land in their homeland, the Chagos Islands, also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory (“BIOT”). His father Mr Michel Mandarin, 74, was previously unlawfully removed from the island when he was just 14 and has long desired to return.

The UK government has already confirmed that they pose no security threat of any kind to the base, but nonetheless they had been issued with Removal Orders on 18 February 2026. The Order of the Immigration Officer threatened breach of it would involve a criminal offence and render the Chagossians liable on conviction to imprisonment for 3 years or to a fine of £3,000, or to both.

An urgent injunction was sought to prevent any steps to remove them whilst a court case can be brought to ensure that this Removal Order is quashed, if the BIOT Commissioner fails to revoke it and to grant the permission to be on the island.

The Hon. BIOT Chief Justice Lewis considered the matter on an urgent basis and issued the injunction in the late evening, having received the application made by Mr Rule KC and his instructing barrister Mr James Tumbridge.

Lewis CJ noted that “There is no doubt the balance of convenience falls on the side of the Claimants. They are 120 miles from Diego Garcia and pose no threat to national security on the evidence before me. If they are deported they will have great difficulties in returning”.

The Court granted a temporary injunction against the enforcement of the removal notices.

The injunction is reported at:

Starmer’s Chagos Islands deal hits new crisis after judge blocks removal of islanders – The Independent 

Chagossians now CANNOT be evicted from homeland as vital last-minute intervention hands Keir Starmer crushing blow – The British New Channel

Judge Blocks Government Removal of Chagos Islanders – Guido Fawkes

Wider reporting of the issue is here:

Chagossians trying to resettle on islands defy removal order – BBC News

‘They will have to KILL me!’ Chagos leader refuses to leave after being slapped with eviction notice – British News Channel

Four Chagossians return to islands in attempt to stop British transfer to Mauritius – The Guardian

Chagossian First Minister vows to bring MORE people to islands after being threatened with removal: ‘They’ll have to kill me!’ – British News Channel

Chagos islanders make dramatic landing after 50 years of exile – The Telegraph 

‘I’m ready to die for my island’ says Chagossian defying Britain to return home – The Telegraph

The Chagossians are also awaiting a decision on an existing judicial review inside the United Kingdom concerning other challenges to the present legislation concerning Chagossians’ rights. Mr Rule KC is leading (for two other claimants) James Tumbridge, and (for one claimant) Michael Polak, of Church Court Chambers, instructed by Stuart Luke of Luke and Bridger solicitors.

See: Philip Rule KC of No5 Barristers’ Chambers acts in Chagos Islands deal challenge

Government made ‘unlawful decisions’ over Chagos Islands, High Court told