Thank you for contacting me about Western Sahara and Early Day Motion (EDM) 1268.
Please note I do not sign EDMs as they have little impact on the parliamentary outcome, and they cost a significant amount of taxpayers’ money to orchestrate.
The UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined. That said, as a member of the UN Security Council, the UK regularly discusses Western Sahara with Morocco and others, and fully supports UN-led efforts to reach a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
The UK's position on Western Sahara is consistent and long-standing. It is unaffected by recent developments, be it the normalisation of relations between Israel and Morocco, or the decision by now Former President Trump in December 2020 to recognise Western Sahara as part of Morocco – which is purely a matter for the US.
Support for human rights and human rights defenders is a priority around the world, including in Morocco, and I know that the UK Government raises human rights issues with the Moroccan Government accordingly.
Finally, the Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. All export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, based on the most up-to-date information and analysis available. No export licenses are issued where there is a clear risk that the goods might be used for internal repression or in the commission of a serious violation of international humanitarian law.