A New Era for Morocco–UK Relations Begins with Landmark Diplomatic Shift
By F.M.I.E Sources | July 9, 2025
The United Kingdom is setting the stage for a new wave of trade and business collaboration with Morocco, following a major diplomatic breakthrough between the two nations.
Earlier this month in Rabat, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the British government will now formally support Morocco’s claim of sovereignty over the Western Sahara. Speaking at a press conference, Lammy stated, “The UK has chosen to endorse autonomy within the Moroccan state as the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis for a mutually agreed and lasting solution to the Western Sahara dispute — one that can deliver on our commitments to conflict resolution in the region and self-determination for the people of Western Sahara.”
According to F.M.I.E Sources, British officials believe this strategic diplomatic pivot will unlock billions of pounds in investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and logistics for UK-based companies operating in Morocco.
Background on the Dispute
The Western Sahara was formerly a Spanish colony until 1975. Upon Spain’s withdrawal, both Morocco and the Polisario Front, an independence movement backed by Algeria, laid claim to the region. The dispute remains unresolved, with the territory still listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing region. Decades of UN-led negotiations have made little progress.
Until now, the UK had maintained a neutral stance on the matter. However, its latest move places it alongside other global powers like France, Germany, and Israel, all of whom have recently expressed formal recognition or support for Morocco’s claim to…