Recognition of Western Sahara as Moroccan

The hon. Member pointed out that due to a lack of autonomous self-governance in Western Sahara, 200,000 Sahrawis have been displaced into the desert interior where living conditions are nearly impossible, with many more residing in flooded refugee camps in Algeria. The member questioned whether the Sahrawi Government should be allowed access to international climate finance.

References his late great-uncle's role in Tangier during World War II to support the point about Morocco. Agreed with Rehman Chishti on the importance of economic development in resolving conflicts. Cited examples from his visit to Laayoune, stating that Morocco's economic initiatives are beneficial for Sahrawi people and should be considered within this context.

Questions whether the hon. Member met with Polisario and visited refugee camps in Algeria. Mr Corbyn criticised the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham's focus on Morocco's economic advances over the issue of the illegal occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco since Spain left in the 1970s. He stressed that international law requires a referendum to determine the future of Western Sahara, either as an independent state, with autonomy within Morocco or incorporated into it. Mr Corbyn visited Sahrawi refugee camps and argued for adherence to UN resolutions regarding decolonisation. The hon. Member mentioned that the African Union has taken a position regarding Western Sahara as an issue of decolonisation, highlighting Morocco's departure from the African Union.

Jim Shannon highlighted the human rights violations in Western Sahara, noting over 165,000 Sahrawi refugees displaced and living in deplorable conditions. He mentioned that over 80% of Sahrawi refugees face food insecurity, with acute malnutrition rising from 7% to 11% between 2019 and 2022. Shannon also criticised the severe restrictions on political and civil liberties by Morocco and the Polisario Front. Intervenes to seek clarification from the Minister but decides to allow the Minister to proceed without further questioning.

Questions the government's failure to recognise Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara, highlighting stability in the region as crucial for Britain's security interests.

Makes a brief exclamation during the debate. Emphasised the importance of UK partnerships with Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania. Highlighted the economic potential of green hydrogen production and fertiliser development in the region. Raised concerns about human rights abuses and civilian casualties due to conflict. Asked what steps the Government is taking to support access for UN human rights monitors.

Asks if the hon. Gentleman will give way and questions the trip's funding source, noting it was paid for by the Moroccan embassy. The hon. Member for Shropshire (Daniel Kawczynski) cited his visits to Dakhla and the construction of a new port, but Mr Grady questioned whether these visits were recorded in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. The right hon. Gentleman is making very positive points. He mentioned a debate on 7 December 2022, where the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) called for the Chagos islanders to be given a referendum so that they could exercise their right to self-determination over their future autonomy. Patrick Grady congratulated the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham on securing the debate, noting that the issue of Western Sahara's recognition as Moroccan has been a long-standing concern. He highlighted the importance of respecting international law and the UN Security Council's resolutions calling for self-determination for Sahrawi people.

Suggests that while Morocco is important, the people of Western Sahara should be allowed self-determination.

Asked the Government when their position on Western Sahara was last reviewed, emphasizing the importance of transparency in decision-making. Highlighted a report by Professor Marc Weller that draws parallels between the legal status of Western Sahara and the Falkland Islands, suggesting that supporting Morocco's autonomy proposal aligns with UK interests. Asked what the Government's position would be on finding a permanent solution in Western Sahara if they were in power. Asks the Minister when the position on Western Sahara was last reviewed by the Foreign Office and requests a re-evaluation post-debate considering all submitted evidence, including Professor Weller's.