THE FOREIGN Secretary discussed the plight of islanders while on the campaign trail this week.

Dominic Raab took up his post at the Foreign Office when he was appointed by Boris Johnson in the summer.

He visited Sussex on the campaign trail for the Conservatives and met Henry Smith in Crawley, who is seeking to win his fourth election to represent the town.

According to Mr Smith, they discussed the situation of the Chagos Islanders who were forcibly removed from their Indian Ocean homes in the 1970s to make way for American bases. Many have settled in Crawley.

Meanwhile Mr Raab also discussed the situation in Hong Kong, while Mr Smith said the Tories will build an “outward-looking, global Britain”.

He said: “I’m grateful to the Foreign Secretary for taking the time to come to Crawley and speak with local residents about some of the most pressing issues facing the world today.

“We discussed subjects including the plight of the Chagossian people.

“They deserve the right to return to their homeland after being forcibly removed by Harold Wilson’s Labour Government.

“I was also pleased to put the concerns I’ve received in support of the people of Hong Kong directly to the Foreign Secretary.

“If I’m fortunate enough to be re-elected as Crawley MP I’ll continue to stand up for democracy at home and abroad.

“I’ve always been unequivocal that the United Kingdom is a force for good around the world.”

He said he has supported international efforts to improve women’s and girl’s rights.

Mr Smith said: “Only with a majority Conservative Government will we see an outward-looking Global Britain on the international stage.”