Western Sahara

Thank you for contacting me about Western Sahara.

The UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined. As a member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the UK regularly discusses Western Sahara with Morocco and others, and fully supports UN-led efforts to reach a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The UK is encouraging all parties to engage with the UN-led political process.

The UK's position on Western Sahara is consistent and longstanding. It is unaffected by recent developments, be it the normalisation of relations between Israel and Morocco, or the decision by former President Trump in December 2020 to recognise Western Sahara as part of Morocco – which is purely a matter for the US.

Support for human rights and human rights defenders is a UK foreign priority around the world, including in Morocco, and I know that the UK Government regularly raises human rights issues with the Moroccan authorities. The UK has consistently supported language in UNSC Resolutions which encourages the promotion and protection of human rights in Western Sahara.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.