Joe Powell: UK Support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan Signals a New Era of Strengthened Partnership Between Rabat and London
The United Kingdom’s recent support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan for the Sahara marks the beginning of a new era of strengthened and mutually beneficial partnership between Rabat and London, according to Joe Powell, Labour MP and member of the House of Commons.
Mr. Powell, who chairs the “Labour Friends of Morocco” group, emphasized that the two kingdoms have just added greater depth to a historic cooperation, firmly oriented toward the future.
This renewed partnership now spans key sectors, including:
- Trade
- Investment
- Climate change mitigation
- Renewable energy development
- Cooperation in sports
On Sunday, the UK government officially expressed support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, describing it as “the most credible, viable, and pragmatic basis” for resolving the regional dispute over the Sahara.
By backing the Moroccan plan, the UK joins global powers such as the United States and France, Mr. Powell noted, underlining that the Autonomy Plan—widely recognized for its credibility and pragmatism—is a cornerstone for peace, stability, and security in the region.
The UK’s position was formalized in a joint statement signed in Rabat on Sunday by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.
In the joint communiqué, the United Kingdom also committed to acting in line with this position on bilateral, regional, and international levels.
