Britain Picks a Side in Western Sahara Dispute

In a notable shift, the UK has endorsed Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, calling it the most credible and pragmatic solution to the decades-old conflict. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed this shift during a recent visit to Morocco, echoing moves by the US, France, and Spain in recent years. Lammy’s visit signaled stronger bilateral ties between London and Rabat, ushering in cooperation deals and potential British investments, some of which are tied to preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Western Sahara, home to 600,000 people, remains disputed between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks full independence. The UK had previously maintained a neutral stance on the dispute, stating that the status of the region is “undetermined.”
The Guardian




