UK Reaffirms Trade Stance on Western Sahara, Deepening Ties with Morocco
In a significant development for UK-Morocco relations, the newly elected Labour government, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has confirmed its commitment to continuing the previous Conservative government’s policy regarding trade in the Western Sahara region. This decision reinforces the 2019 Association Agreement between the UK and Morocco, a comprehensive trade deal that explicitly includes the Western Sahara.
This affirmation comes as welcome news to Morocco, further solidifying the longstanding relationship between the two nations. The UK’s stance is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing debate surrounding the status of Western Sahara, a territory claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi liberation movement.
The UK government’s position was clarified in response to an inquiry from Welsh MP Ben Lake. The government stated that it does not consider commercial activities in Western Sahara to be unlawful, provided they respect the interests of the local population. This stance aligns with the previous government’s policy, indicating a consistent and bipartisan approach to UK foreign policy on this issue.
This continuity is particularly significant in the face of calls from certain groups to alter the UK’s position. In December 2022, the UK government rejected a petition from an NGO demanding the cancellation of the Association Agreement with Morocco. This decision underscored the strength of the UK-Morocco partnership, a relationship built on a long history of collaboration and mutual benefit.
The UK’s unwavering stance, transcending political shifts, presents a challenge to the Polisario Front and its supporters, who had hoped for a policy change with the change in government. This steadfastness highlights the crucial role that economic interests and historical ties play in shaping British foreign policy, often outweighing ideological considerations or shifts in the ruling party.
The UK’s commitment to its trade deal with Morocco, encompassing the Western Sahara, speaks volumes about the enduring nature of their partnership. This relationship, deeply rooted in history and mutual respect, continues to flourish, driven by shared economic interests and a commitment to regional stability. As the UK navigates its post-Brexit landscape, strengthening ties with key allies like Morocco will undoubtedly remain a top priority.
