With a resounding victory in yesterday’s legislative elections, the political landscape of the United Kingdom is rapidly shifting. The British Labour Party is on the verge of ending the Conservatives’ 14-year reign, paving the way for Labour leader Keir Starmer to step into Downing Street.
British MP Sir Keir Starmer, the 61-year-old former human rights lawyer, was tasked on Friday 5 by King Charles III to form a government. This comes after Starmer steered his party back to the center-left and pledged to bring seriousness back to power.
According to a statement from the British Royal Palace, the official appointment of Labour Party leader Keir Starmer as Prime Minister came after the acceptance of Rishi Sunak’s resignation.
As the Labour Party moves to form a new government amid a pivotal moment in British political history, questions emerge about the implications of the longstanding relations between Britain and Morocco, which have historically fostered cooperation.
Hassan Belwan, an expert in international relations, stressed the importance of bringing to the table the “deep historical ties” between the two countries’ institutions.
In a statement to Hespress Ar, Belwan said that these connections are the bedrock for understanding the advanced and strategic relationship between Morocco and Britain, regardless of which party, Conservative or Labour, is in power in London.
He further explained that Moroccan-British relations have gotten even stronger since Britain left the European Union. Since Brexit in 2016, the two countries have enjoyed promising economic ties and dynamic diplomatic understanding.
“Both major parties in London agree that Morocco is a reliable and trustworthy partner, both regionally and globally,” the international relations professor said.
He also noted the “growing number of MPs, from both Conservative and Labour parties, who are urging the British government to take a strong and historic stance” in support of Morocco’s position on the Sahara issue, similar to the United States and other European allies.
Hassan Aqrtit, an expert in international relations, stressed that “the victory of the Labour Party and its rise to power will have no negative impact on the UK-Moroccco relations.”
In an interview with Hespress, Aqrtit highlighted that “this relationship is considered a major political and geo-strategic interest for the British people in general.”
He continued, “the recent debate in the House of Commons highlighted a strong consensus. British MPs from both parties pressed the Foreign Office on two key issues; strengthening ties with Morocco and recognizing the autonomy initiative for the Sahara. This shows a clear alignment of views on these matters.”
“Brexit and its subsequent repercussions on the British economy have made rapprochement with Morocco economically, commercially, and politically a vital necessity for Britain, which is seeking reliable partners outside the European Union,” explained Aqartit.
The expert highlighted that “the most fundamental point that strengthens convergence even further is the alignment of the two political systems-Morocco’s parliamentary constitutional monarchy and the British monarchy, or what pertains to Morocco’s democratic and institutional system.
This intersection at this level makes it possible to develop relations on a political and strategic level.”
He added that “the British consensus on the need to maintain a strong relationship with Morocco, and even to develop this relationship based on what Morocco represents in terms of stability and economic growth in the North African region, opens up immense possibilities and opportunities at the investment as well as general trade and economic level.”
