The UK government has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, breaking decades of neutrality in the long-standing territorial dispute, in exchange for securing business opportunities ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
During a visit to Rabat, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Morocco’s proposal — which would grant limited autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty — as “the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis” for a lasting resolution. The endorsement paves the way for lucrative UK-Morocco infrastructure partnerships tied to preparations for the World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal.
Strategic shift after decades of neutrality
For years, Britain maintained that the status of Western Sahara was “undetermined” and supported a UN-led process including the principle of self-determination for the Sahrawi people. But Lammy’s announcement marks a strategic shift aligning the UK with other Western nations — including the US, France, Germany, and Spain — that have recently backed Morocco’s stance.
Lammy said the UK’s new position would directly benefit British industry. “Thanks to our work, British companies will be front of the queue to secure contracts to build Moroccan infrastructure,” he said.
Business deals tied to foreign policy change
In Rabat, Lammy signed a bilateral procurement agreement that will allow UK firms greater access to public tenders in Morocco, particularly in health infrastructure and airport upgrades. Among the planned projects is a significant upgrade to Casablanca’s airport, positioning British firms as major players in World Cup preparations.
The UK Foreign Office emphasised that the deal also includes a renewed commitment by Morocco to uphold self-determination principles, publish an updated version of its autonomy plan, and resume stalled negotiations with the Polisario Front.
Algeria condemns UK decision
Algeria, which supports the Polisario Front’s fight for full independence, sharply criticised the UK’s endorsement. It argued that Morocco’s autonomy plan is 18 years old and has never been presented to the Sahrawi people as a legitimate basis for talks.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony rich in natural resources, has been at the centre of one of Africa’s longest unresolved conflicts. While Morocco controls most of the 260,000 sq km territory, the Polisario Front continues to claim sovereignty on behalf of the Sahrawi people, who are supported by the African Union and segments of the international community.
UN peace process remains stalled
Despite multiple ceasefires since the 1990s and the presence of UN peacekeepers since 1991, efforts to hold a long-promised referendum on Western Sahara’s status have stalled. The UK now joins a growing list of Western countries prioritising economic and strategic ties with Morocco over pushing for a full independence vote.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Britain’s change of position, calling it “an historic pivot” in the 800-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
