Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Independent Bulletin homepage

Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

UK backs Morocco’s claim to disputed Western Sahara

An archway in the entrance of Dakhla, Western Sahara, carries an image of Morocco's King Mohammed VI
An archway in the entrance of Dakhla, Western Sahara, carries an image of Morocco's King Mohammed VI (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
  • The UK now recognises Morocco's claim to the disputed Western Sahara, aligning with countries like Israel, France, and Germany.
  • This shift in UK foreign policy is part of a new economic partnership with Morocco, aimed at giving British companies priority in infrastructure projects, including those for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
  • The economic deal is expected to unlock contracts worth around £33bn over the next three years in sectors like water, health, and trade, including a £1.2bn Casablanca airport project.
  • The partnership includes collaboration on Morocco’s national healthcare transformation, potentially creating opportunities for the UK health sector and a new £150m hospital project.
  • Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that endorsing autonomy within the Moroccan state is the most viable solution to the Western Sahara dispute, supporting conflict resolution and self-determination while strengthening the UK's economic ties with Morocco.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in