Islanders fight for compensation

Diego Garcia was taken over for a military base in the 1970s

A group of islanders exiled from their Indian Ocean home when it was turned into a military base are to continue their fight for compensation.

The Diego Garcians were forced to leave their island in the 1970s when it was taken over by the UK government.

In October 2003, the British passport holders, who have been staying in Crawley, West Sussex, lost a claim for compensation at the High Court.

They are returning to the High Court to appeal against the decision.

'Very angry'

The group arrived at Gatwick Airport in July 2003 and West Sussex County Council was ordered to pay for hotel accommodation for them.

The islanders were exiled from their home when it was turned into a British and US military base.

They were sent to Mauritius, but high unemployment rates prompted them to come to Britain and take action against the UK government.

Alan Vincatassin, from the Diego Garcian Island Council, said he was angry the government had banned them from returning to their homeland.

He said: "They have removed our right of abode as British citizens from the British overseas territory."