The United Kingdom has officially expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan, describing it as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the long-standing dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This position, made public during a visit to Rabat by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on June 1, 2025, could signal a broader shift among Commonwealth countries.
In a joint statement with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Lammy reaffirmed London’s commitment to align its actions with this stance at the bilateral, regional, and international levels. The announcement marks another diplomatic milestone in Morocco’s efforts to consolidate international support for its autonomy initiative.
A Historic and Strategic Position
According to Professor Azzeddine Hannoun, a public law expert at Ibn Tofail University, this UK declaration constitutes “a major turning point” in Britain’s approach to the Sahara issue. Speaking to Hespress Fr, he noted that the statement reflects both the historical ties between the two monarchies and the growing European momentum backing the Moroccan plan.
Hannoun referenced the historical foundations of Morocco–UK relations, including the Treaty of March 13, 1895, in which the UK recognized Moroccan sovereignty over territories stretching from Oued Draa to Cap Boujdour. He noted this treaty is increasingly cited by Moroccan officials as a legal and diplomatic precedent for the country’s territorial claims.
He further argued that this is more than just diplomatic backing: “It is a strategic step toward explicit recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces,” especially in light of similar positions recently adopted by countries like Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.
Potential Ripple Effect in the Commonwealth
Beyond its bilateral implications, the UK’s position could have far-reaching geopolitical consequences. Hannoun emphasized the diplomatic weight of the UK and its potential to influence other Commonwealth nations that have yet to take a firm stance on the Sahara issue.
“This position could encourage other Commonwealth countries to reassess their views and move toward rational support for Moroccan sovereignty,” he said. The statement from London, he added, could trigger a domino effect in the Anglophone world, especially among countries historically linked to the British Empire.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK is also in a position to help push the UN toward a more assertive approach in resolving the Sahara conflict, alongside France and the United States. Such a move would align with shared UK–Morocco interests in regional security, stability, and development.
Economic Dimension of Support
In addition to its political endorsement, the UK announced the potential inclusion of development projects in Morocco’s southern provinces within the framework of a £5 billion funding package managed by UK Export Finance (UKEF). This economic commitment gives the UK’s stance a tangible and operational dimension, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two kingdoms.
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