The newly elected British government, which came to power following the early general elections on July 4, has no intention of revising the association agreement with Morocco, including the Sahara region, that was signed on October 26, 2019. This position was officially articulated by the Labour administration, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in response to a written question posed by Ben Lake, MP from Plaid Cymru (which advocates for Welsh independence). He inquired whether “the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has had any recent discussions with his Moroccan counterpart regarding trade in natural resources from Western Sahara.”
“We do not consider commercial activities in Western Sahara to be illegal, as long as they respect the interests of the Sahrawi people. The UK continues to support the efforts led by the UN and the work of Staffan de Mistura as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, and we encourage constructive engagement in the political process,” stated the left-leaning British government.
This statement may disappoint supporters of Polisario in the House of Commons, as it essentially rephrases the response provided by the Conservative government under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April 2024, to a written query from Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle. At that time, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, David Rutley, remarked, “We do not consider commercial activity in Western Sahara to be illegal, as long as it respects the interests of the Sahrawi people.”
Notably, on December 5, 2022, the British High Court dismissed an appeal by the NGO “Western Sahara Campaign UK (WSCUK)” that sought to annul the Association Agreement between Morocco and the United Kingdom, which included products sourced from the Sahara.
Regardless of political affiliation, the British government’s stance on the Sahara remains unchanged
In reply to Ben Lake’s written question regarding “the initiatives that London is considering to ensure the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara,” Starmer simply reiterated his “support for the UN-led efforts to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution based on compromise, which will enable the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The United Kingdom continues to support the UN’s endeavors and the work of Staffan de Mistura.”
The day after the Labour Party’s decisive victory in the July 4 snap elections, the Polisario leader congratulated Prime Minister Keir Starmer with a lengthy message. “The Polisario Front is a sister organization of the Labour Party, and we look forward to continuing and strengthening the existing relationship between our two organizations as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better world where international solidarity, justice, human rights, and the right to self-determination prevail,” wrote Brahim Ghali.
Following his phone conversation on August 5 with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized on the X platform that “the relationship between the UK and Morocco spans 800 years and continues to strengthen. We discussed regional security and prosperity, which are more important than ever.”
UK Government’s Stance on Morocco’s Sahara: An Unwavering Position
The new British government, elected in the early general elections of July 4, does not plan to revise the association agreement with Morocco, including the Sahara, signed on October 26, 2019. A position officially expressed by the Labor executive, led by Prime Minister Keir Stramer, in response to a written question from Ben Lake MP, Plaid Cymru (which advocates Welsh independence). Lake inquired whether “the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has had recent discussions with his Moroccan counterpart on trade in natural resources from Western Sahara.”
The UK’s Position on Western Sahara Trade
“We do not consider commercial activities in Western Sahara to be illegal, provided they respect the interests of the Sahrawi people. The UK continues to support the efforts led by the UN and the work of Staffan de Mistura as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Western Sahara. Furthermore, we continue to encourage constructive engagement in the political process,” stated the left-wing British government.
This statement is likely to disappoint supporters of the Polisario Front in the House of Commons. The position closely mirrors the response earlier provided by the Conservative government under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in April 2024, where it was affirmed that “We do not consider commercial activity in Western Sahara to be illegal, provided that it respects the interests of the Sahrawi people.” This assertion was made by Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, David Rutley.
Legal Context Regarding the Association Agreement
On December 5, 2022, the British High Court rejected an appeal by the NGO “Western Sahara Campaign UK (WSCUK),” which aimed to annul the Association Agreement between Morocco and the United Kingdom concerning products from the Sahara. This legal backing bolsters the UK government’s current stance, affirming that existing commercial activities are permissible.
Political Responses and Initiatives
In response to Ben Lake MP’s inquiry about “the initiatives that London is considering to secure the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara,” Stramer reiterated his “support for the efforts led by the UN to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will allow the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.” The ongoing support for the UN’s efforts and Staffan de Mistura’s role as Personal Envoy highlights the UK’s consistent diplomatic approach.
International Relations and Diplomatic Engagements
Following the July 4 elections, the leader of the Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, extended a welcoming message to Prime Minister Keir Stramer, recognizing that “the Polisario Front is a sister organization of the Labour Party, and we look forward to continuing and deepening the existing relationship between our two organizations.” This acknowledgment illustrates the complex interplay between political solidarity in the context of global issues related to self-determination and trade.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy reinforced this message following his conversation with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, emphasizing that “the relationship between the UK and Morocco goes back 800 years and continues to grow stronger. We discussed regional security and prosperity, which is more important than ever.”
Impact on Trade and Resources
The position of the UK government reaffirms its commitment to allowing trade with Morocco, including the extraction and sale of natural resources from Western Sahara. This aspect has significant implications for businesses engaged in imports and exports involving this region. The clarity provided by the government likely encourages stability in trade relationships, reducing uncertainties for investors.
Benefits of the Current US-UK Trade Relations
- Enhanced Economic Stability: The reaffirmed support for trade agreements allows businesses to operate without fear of legal repercussions related to resource extraction.
- Strengthened Political Alliances: By affirming its dedication to international partnerships, the UK boosts its global standing and diplomatic ties.
- Support for Peaceful Resolution: Continued backing of the UN initiatives indicates a commitment to finding a political solution that respects the interests of the Sahrawi people.
Case Studies of Trade Impacts from Other Regions
| Region | Average Annual Trade Value | Key Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Western Sahara | $500 million | Phosphates, Fishery Products |
| South Sudan | $300 million | Oil, Agricultural Products |
| Central African Republic | $250 million | Diamonds, Timber |
First-Hand Experiences in Trade Operations
Many international companies involved in trade with Morocco have shared their experiences in operating in the Sahara region. For instance, companies have reported smooth operations due to the clear legal framework established by the agreement, despite the contentious political backdrop. This clarity enables businesses to plan and invest in infrastructure, ensuring better resource management.
Conclusion
As we see, whether left or right, the British government’s stance on the Sahara remains unchanged, with a focus on sustaining trade and supporting international diplomatic efforts for peace.
