British FM says Morocco's autonomy plan for W. Sahara “most credible” solution

British foreign minister David Lammy said on Sunday that Morocco's autonomy plan for the territory of Western Sahara was the "most credible" solution to the decades long dispute, reversing London's long-standing position.

Speaking in Rabat, Lammy said Morocco's 2007 plan represented "the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the dispute".

Britain previously backed self-determination for the former Spanish colony, which Morocco claims as an integral part of its kingdom.

He urged all parties involved in the dispute to “urgently and constructively engage in the political process led by the United Nations” to reach a solution.

The statement marks a shift in the UK’s position. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Britain had previously supported efforts to achieve a political solution that ensures the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed the UK’s new stance, saying it would “significantly strengthen momentum and push forward the UN-led process toward a final, mutually agreed solution based on the autonomy initiative.”

Morocco views its autonomy plan — which proposes self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty — as the only viable solution to the dispute over Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that the UN classifies as a “non-self-governing territory.” The Algeria-backed Polisario Front continues to demand full independence.

Morocco controls most of the contested territory, where the conflict has persisted for nearly 50 years.

In October 2024, the UN Security Council renewed its call for Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria, and Mauritania to resume negotiations aimed at reaching a “durable and mutually acceptable” resolution.