The United Kingdom Endorses Morocco's Sahara Autonomy Plan
The June 2025 Endorsement
During the UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue held in Rabat on 1 June 2025, Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Morocco's autonomy proposal as the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting settlement.
The endorsement was confirmed in a written statement to the UK Parliament, formalizing London's alignment with the autonomy framework.
A Significant Diplomatic Milestone
With this step, the United Kingdom became the third permanent member of the UN Security Council, alongside the United States and France, to back Morocco's autonomy plan.
The shift carried particular weight given the UK's role on the Security Council and its tradition of caution on the issue.
Broader Cooperation
The strategic dialogue accompanied agreements in education, health, infrastructure and trade, signalling a deepening partnership between London and Rabat.
Morocco presented the endorsement as evidence of growing international consensus around its proposed solution.
Context of Growing Momentum
The UK announcement came amid a wave of endorsements, following Kenya in May 2025 and preceding Portugal in July 2025. Each added to the diplomatic momentum behind autonomy.
For Rabat, securing three of the five permanent Council members marked a structural advantage in the long-running diplomatic process.
Frequently asked
When did the UK endorse Morocco's autonomy plan?
On 1 June 2025, during the UK-Morocco Strategic Dialogue in Rabat.
Who announced the UK position?
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, later confirmed in a written statement to Parliament.
Why is the UK endorsement significant?
It made the UK the third permanent UN Security Council member to back the autonomy plan, after the US and France.