Spanish newspaper hails Britain's backing of Moroccan autonomy as a historic turning point

Thursday 05 June 2025 - 12:05

By: Zahouani Ilham

Spanish newspaper hails Britain's backing of Moroccan autonomy as a historic turning point

The United Kingdom has formally declared its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as a viable and credible solution to the long-standing dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. This marks a significant departure from London’s decades-long adherence to the traditional United Nations framework and is widely regarded as a major diplomatic win for Rabat.

According to Spanish media and international observers, the move has sparked surprise in some circles while appearing logical to others. It is the culmination of sustained and strategic Moroccan diplomacy within British political arenas, signaling a calculated and long-prepared shift.

A report published by El Confidencial, a prominent Spanish newspaper, underscored that this new stance is not accidental. Instead, it reflects the strategic influence of the so-called “Moroccan lobby in Westminster,” which has effectively leveraged soft power tools economic collaboration and security alliances to solidify Morocco’s role as a key UK partner in North Africa.

With growing global challenges ranging from the impacts of the Ukraine war to mounting migration issues Morocco’s strategic importance to European policymakers, especially in London, has grown considerably. Since Brexit, trade between the UK and Morocco has expanded rapidly, notably in areas like green energy, phosphate exports, and cybersecurity.

In addition to economic ties, enhanced security cooperation has reinforced mutual trust. British officials have acknowledged Morocco’s pivotal role in counterterrorism efforts, particularly in the Sahel, describing the country as a critical ally against extremism.

The British endorsement is seen not only as a diplomatic triumph for Morocco but also as a significant setback for those opposing its territorial integrity. The endorsement, which carries added weight given the UK’s status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, aligns Britain with the evolving international stance that also includes the United States, Spain, and Germany.

The Spanish press described this development as a major blow to Algeria, which continues to harden its position while its influence in Western policymaking circles appears to be waning.

Britain’s alignment with what is being called the “realistic solutions camp” suggests a broader international trend favoring practical resolutions over outdated, rigid approaches to regional conflicts.

The timing of this shift is also notable, as Morocco gears up to host major global events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup, strengthening its image as a stable and influential regional power.

El Confidencial concluded that the Moroccan diplomatic network, often discreet in its operations, is now delivering visible results that further elevate Morocco’s international standing.