UK backs Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara in strategic shift

The United Kingdom has formally endorsed Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan for Western Sahara as the most credible path towards resolving the long-standing territorial dispute, marking a significant diplomatic development during the 5th session of the Morocco-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat.

In a statement delivered on Saturday, UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, declared that London views the Moroccan autonomy initiative as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement” to the Sahara conflict.

The announcement, made alongside Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, was enshrined in a joint communiqué signed by both ministers.

This endorsement signals a deepening of UK-Moroccan ties and aligns Britain more closely with a growing international consensus that sees Morocco’s plan as a realistic path forward.

The plan, first proposed by Morocco in 2007, offers the disputed territory of Western Sahara a form of self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, while stopping short of full independence — a key sticking point with the Polisario Front, which seeks an independence referendum.

The communiqué praised the “positive momentum” initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and acknowledged the centrality of the Sahara issue to Morocco’s national interest. It also emphasised that a resolution to the conflict would bolster regional stability and integration across North Africa.

“The United Kingdom recognises the importance of a political solution to this issue, one that contributes to peace, stability, and development across the region,” the communiqué noted, adding that such a solution would give “fresh impetus to regional cooperation and strengthen bilateral ties.”

Lammy underscored the UK's commitment to actively support the UN-led political process, including the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK pledged to contribute constructively to diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a consensual political settlement acceptable to all parties.

In a significant economic gesture, the UK also reiterated its intention to support Morocco’s development efforts in the Saharan provinces through UK Export Finance.

This includes a readiness to mobilise part of a broader £5 billion commitment for new projects throughout Morocco, reinforcing London’s view of the North African kingdom as a key partner and gateway to the African continent.

The UK’s declaration of support adds to a series of recent recognitions of the Moroccan autonomy plan by major global and regional powers.

Observers view the move as a reflection of shifting geopolitical dynamics in North Africa, where stability and development are increasingly seen as intertwined with a resolution of the decades-long Western Sahara dispute.

For Rabat, the UK's position marks another diplomatic win in its campaign to garner broader international backing for its autonomy initiative — a strategy that appears to be gaining ground in multilateral forums and bilateral partnerships alike.