In a major policy shift, the UK government has thrown its backing behind Morocco’s plan for resolving the Western Sahara dispute, mirroring support by the United States, France, Spain and other nations.
British Foreign Secretary, David Lamy, declared the United Kingdom’s support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the “most credible” path to resolving the long-standing Western Sahara conflict, marking a significant shift in Britain’s position.
Speaking during a joint press conference in Rabat on Sunday with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Lammy said the UK now views Morocco’s 2007 autonomy offer as the most viable and pragmatic solution to the decades-old territorial dispute.
“The United Kingdom considers Morocco’s autonomy proposal submitted in 2007 as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute,” he stated.
This policy change comes after years of Britain backing a self-determination process for the region, aligning with international efforts under the United Nations framework.
This document underlines that the UK “follows closely the current positive dynamic on this issue under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”
It added that London “recognises the importance of the question of Western Sahara for the Kingdom of Morocco,noting that settling this regional dispute “would strengthen the stability of North Africa and the relaunch of the bilateral dynamic and regional integration.”
Western Sahara, a resource-rich former Spanish colony, has been largely controlled by Morocco since the 1970s. However, the Polisario Front—supported by Algeria—continues to claim the territory and demands full independence.
Morocco has been actively pursuing this goal through diplomatic initiatives and has gained support from several countries, including the United States, Israel, France, and Spain.
Lammy emphasised the urgency of progress in the negotiations, noting that this year offers a crucial window for a breakthrough ahead of the conflict’s 50th anniversary in November.
He urged all parties involved to engage positively with the UN-led political process aimed at resolving the dispute.
The United Nations classifies Western Sahara as a “non-self-governing territory” and has operated a peacekeeping mission there since 1991 to organise a referendum on its future.
Morocco, however, has consistently ruled out any referendum that includes independence as an option, instead advocating for limited autonomy under its sovereignty.
