The United Kingdom renewed its support for the United Nations’ efforts to reach a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the Western Sahara conflict, stressing its will to continue encouraging constructive participation in the political process aimed at resolving this conflict, and its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the Tindouf camps.
The European Kingdom praised trade relations it maintains with Morocco after a partnership agreement was signed in January 2021.
The statement came in response to a set of written parliamentary questions in the House of Commons to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Ministry and the State Department for Business and Trade.
Daniel Kawczynski, a Conservative Party representative, inquired about the steps the UK is taking to support a political solution to the Sahara issue based on Morocco’s autonomy plan, as well as the steps it has taken with its international allies to support this Moroccan initiative, and the steps it intends to take to urge Algeria to allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to conduct a census of the Tindouf caucus.
Through David Rutley, the London Foreign Ministry confirmed that the United Kingdom (UK) supported UN Security Council Resolution No. 2703, which was issued on the 30th of last month, therefore it supports the UN’s efforts to find a political solution that is fair, long-lasting, and agreeable to all parties.
Additionally, the UK backs Staffan de Mistura’s efforts as the UN Secretary-General’s envoy to Morocco’s Sahara, emphasizing that London appreciates the efforts made to make de Mistura’s visit achievable and will keep promoting positive engagement to further the political process.
The British parliamentarian in question additionally addressed other questions to the UK Ministry of State for Business and Trade regarding the measures being taken to incentivize British companies to invest in Morocco’s hydrogen production and green energy sectors, as well as potential investment opportunities in the desert. The MP also brought up the British judiciary’s decision to reject an appeal concerning the annulment of trade agreements concluded between London and Rabat in the southern regions of the Kingdom.
Grey Hands answered on behalf of the Ministry of State for Business and Trade, stating that “the United Kingdom is working closely with Morocco to achieve maximum cooperation in many fields and investment,” noting that “the partnership agreement between the two countries that entered into Implementation in January 2021 facilitates commercial relations between them, as these relations have grown significantly since then.”
The same official added, “The British Department of Trade frequently engages its Moroccan counterpart in encouraging and supporting green investment in the Kingdom of Morocco, as the two countries jointly lead the Power Breakthrough initiative, which aims to make clean energy the most reliable and affordable option for all countries by 2030.”.
He stated that his country’s government “does not provide legal advice to private companies and individuals regarding their commercial activities, and therefore companies are the ones who make their own decisions regarding their business in the desert, as is the case elsewhere.”
Furthermore, Labor Party representative Lyn Brown sent two written questions to the UK Foreign Ministry concerning the assessment it had carried out concerning the human rights situation in the Sahara and the claims of forced disappearance and inhumane treatment Sahrawi refugees endure in the Tindouf camps.
The British Foreign Ministry affirmed its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in the Sahara and the Tindouf camps, voicing its support for “the language used in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” noting that “the British government is discussing human rights with the Moroccan government, including This was done during their bilateral dialogues.