British Members of Parliament who support the Polisario Front continue to apply pressure on the UK government following its recent endorsement of Morocco's autonomy plan as a solution to the Western Sahara conflict. In this context, Labour MP Kim Johnson submitted a written question to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, asking whether the government would «hold discussions with Polisario on forthcoming discussions on trade agreements that affect Western Sahara». In response, Hamish Falconer, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), said that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) frequently engage on how best to deliver the Government's growth mission, including by supporting UK exports and investment across North Africa. Falconer explained that the UK's trade team in Morocco is focused on identifying opportunities that deliver the greatest benefit to the British economy. He stressed that «trade agreements negotiated by the UK are conducted with sovereign states and in accordance with international law». He further clarified that the Partnership Agreement between the UK and Morocco is implemented in accordance with Britain's position on the status of Western Sahara. «Senior officials meet regularly with Sahrawi representatives to discuss UK policy on Western Sahara, including trade», he added. Falconer also recalled that, on June 1, the British Foreign Secretary expressed support for Morocco's autonomy initiative, describing it as «the most credible, realistic and pragmatic solution for a lasting resolution to the Sahara conflict». In that context, he continued, «we continue to support the UN-led process to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution, based on compromise, which conforms with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of respect for self-determination».
