Sahara: UK parliamentary debates signals possible shift toward supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan

A parliamentary session held on April 1 at the House of Commons has reignited discussion over the Moroccan Sahara conflict, as Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell questioned Foreign Secretary David Lammy on whether the UK would align its stance with the United States and France in supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan for the region.

In response, Lammy confirmed that “ongoing discussions” were taking place with what he referred to as “our Moroccan friends,” describing the issue as “complex” while noting that the UK’s current position “has not changed, but remains under review.”

These comments have sparked speculation about a potential shift in British foreign policy toward recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the disputed territory. The remarks come amid growing international momentum in support of Morocco’s autonomy initiative and deepening bilateral ties between London and Rabat in the post-Brexit era.

Political analysts see the evolving UK-Morocco relationship — particularly in the fields of trade and renewable energy — as a strong incentive for the British government to reconsider its longstanding neutrality on the conflict. Morocco, which has received backing from global powers including the US, France, and Germany, insists that any partnership must respect its territorial integrity, a position rooted in King Mohammed VI’s foreign policy doctrine.

Mohamed Boukhobza, a political analyst and academic, told Hespress AR that Brexit has given the UK more room to craft an independent foreign policy, free from EU constraints. “Morocco emerges as a strategic partner with a historic legacy, political stability, and strong international alliances,” he said. Boukhobza emphasized that aligning with Morocco’s autonomy plan would allow the UK to maintain harmony with its major allies and bolster its regional influence.

He also highlighted joint energy ventures, such as the ambitious power link from Morocco’s Guelmim region to the UK, as a sign of “deepening strategic alignment,” suggesting that Lammy’s cautious response could reflect a gradual move toward endorsing the autonomy plan.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Aberkane, professor of political science at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, linked the potential policy shift to increasing internal pressure from Conservative MPs who advocate recognizing Morocco’s sovereignty over the  Sahara. “These calls are inspired by allied positions, notably from the US, France, and Germany,” he stated.

Aberkane underlined Morocco’s successful diplomatic outreach and its growing credibility on the global stage as key factors weakening separatist narratives and isolating their proponents. He argued that British pragmatism, combined with Morocco’s consistent diplomacy and rising international support, creates a solid foundation for London to reassess its stance.

Both analysts agree that a formal UK endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan could mark a turning point in bilateral relations, enhancing not only economic and strategic cooperation but also contributing to broader regional stability in the Western Mediterranean and Atlantic space — leveraging the historical ties between the two monarchies.