Western Sahara Conflict

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Monday 27th October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

My noble friend met Polisario and that was in no way in contradiction to the statements that we have signed up to, alongside Morocco. We feel that there is a resolution in sight here and everything we do will be with a view to reaching that resolution. This matters for the stability of not just Western Sahara but the entire region.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, recognising the important role the United Kingdom has played—and indeed the clarification provided by the Minister to my noble friend—is key. There is a UN resolution on the table which will be discussed at the Security Council. As a friend to both Algeria and Morocco, the autonomy plan provides a practical way forward. Let us be real. I know from my time as a Minister that the external influences over the Polisario of countries that do not hold the United Kingdom with great esteem, to quote my noble friend, is still a real danger. Now is the time to interject. The UK’s role, as we heard from my noble friend, is key to facilitate that dialogue and have a resolution which provides the pathway to peace.