The British government has chosen to disregard written questions posed by MP Ben Lake, a vocal supporter of the Polisario in the House of Commons. The MP asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, responsible for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, whether the UK might request the UN Security Council to send a mission to investigate the human rights situation of Sahrawis in Western Sahara and Moroccan prisons. In his response, Falconer stated, «The UK believes there is an urgent need to resolve this long-held dispute. That is why the Foreign Secretary announced on 1 June that Morocco's autonomy proposal is the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis for a lasting resolution of the Western Sahara conflict». «We are working with stakeholders to support the UN-led process and encourage dialogue and compromise, with the aim of achieving a peaceful resolution that upholds the dignity and rights of the people of Western Sahara and contributes to long-term regional stability». He also emphasized that the UK «is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, including in Western Sahara and the Tindouf refugee camps». Falconer additionally responded to a separate written question from the same MP regarding the expulsion of two Spanish journalists from the Sahara. «We have had no such discussions regarding these two individuals», he said, referring to Moroccan authorities. «Human rights forms part of our regular bilateral dialogue with Morocco. During the second UK-Morocco Informal Dialogue on Human Rights, held in Rabat on 30 April 2024, we discussed areas of mutual interest, including freedom of expression, empowerment of women, media freedom, and judicial reforms», the Under Secretary concluded.
