UK backs Morocco’s claim to disputed Western Sahara

WorldPolitics
3 Jun 2025 • 4:14 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • 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.

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