UK Parliament Debates Stance on Western Sahara Sovereignty

On Tuesday, the Sahara issue was at the heart of a debate session in the British Parliament. Conservative Party MP Andrew Mitchell had asked a question about the British government’s position on the conflict in the Moroccan Sahara. He also called for an approach similar to that adopted by the United States and France. In response to the elected representative’s question, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the United Kingdom was pursuing dialogue with the Moroccan authorities. He specified that the British government’s position remained the same as that of the previous government. This position is subject to continuous review, given the evolution of the regional and international situation, he added.

In the United Kingdom, many British political figures are calling on London to join the bloc of countries that have recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and supported its autonomy plan. Is there an interest for the United Kingdom to take this step? Based on the "theory of regional balances in international relations," one can say that the current dynamic surrounding the Moroccan Sahara issue, marked by recognitions from major powers such as the United States, France and Spain, could push the United Kingdom to reassess its position, said strategic affairs expert Hicham Mouatadid. According to his explanations, regional balances require states to take into account the stability of areas that have an impact on their strategic interests.

There are economic benefits that the United Kingdom could derive from changing its position on the Sahara. "In the case of the southern provinces of Morocco, the growing international recognitions of the Moroccanness of the Sahara could encourage the United Kingdom to avoid diplomatic isolation in this context, particularly with the presence of major European partners such as France and Spain," analyzes the expert.

For Hicham Mouatadid, the "theory of political realism" also explains the possible evolution of the British position. The United Kingdom analyzes the gains and losses of a possible gesture of recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara. Mouatadid is convinced that the United Kingdom could align itself with the international position. Without fear. "The more international recognitions increase, the less the risks for the remaining countries to recognize, thus creating a less threatening environment for the United Kingdom," the expert assures.