4 days ago
UK Support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan Opens New Chapter, Says British MP
Rabat – Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East and Chair of the British Group of the Inter Parliamentary Union, has emphasized the significance of the UK's recent decision to endorse Morocco's Autonomy Plan.
Yesterday, the UK announced its full support for Morocco's Autonomy Plan as a credible and pragmatic solution to the regional dispute over the Western Sahara.
The move was formalized in a joint press statement signed in Rabat by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
Addressing Moroccan media directly, Hamilton expressed his excitement and hope for a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
'I am very happy to be here in the Parliament of Morocco,' he said. 'Yesterday the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom declared that the United Kingdom government recognized and supported the Moroccan government's autonomy plan and the plan of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.'
He pointed out a growing consensus among the world's top powers: 'We now have three out of the five permanent members of the Security Council supporting the autonomy plan.'
This backing bolsters Morocco's position and signals growing international acceptance of its autonomy plan on Western Sahara. With the UK's new stance, it now joins other major global powers in supporting Morocco's territorial integrity.
For Hamilton, this recognition means more than just political alignment, as it opens real opportunities for collaboration. 'This is a door to future collaboration between Morocco and the United Kingdom,' he said.
Read also: Western Sahara: UK Endorses Moroccan Autonomy Plan in Landmark Diplomatic Meeting
He emphasized that the matter of Western Sahara is now settled between the two countries, clearing the way for work together in many fields.
'We believe now this issue is resolved between our countries and we're clear where we stand that we can now continue to the future with political collaboration, with collaboration on energy projects, on trade, on commerce, and on political and security issues too, as well as climate change.'
Hamilton's words reflected a vision where the two countries benefit from renewed partnership. 'This opens a gate for all of us, and the future for Morocco and the United Kingdom looks better than it ever has been,' he said with genuine optimism.
His final words carried a strong sense of unity: 'And I'm grateful to my government and the government of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The future is ours.'
Moreover, in yesterday's joint statement, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the weight of the Western Sahara issue for Rabat. 'The UK knows how important the Western Sahara is to Morocco,' he said.
'The time for a resolution is long overdue. We understand the urgent need to secure a definitive and lasting solution, one that delivers a better future for the people of the region.'
With the UK now on board, Morocco's autonomy initiative gains new momentum and a stronger foothold in negotiations and on the world stage.
Over 113 countries are now supporting the autonomy initiative as a serious and credible basis to resolve the dispute.
