Algeria Gate: The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its continued engagement with the Polisario Front and its support for a United Nations-led political process aimed at reaching a just and lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
The position was outlined by Stephen Doughty, Minister of State at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Labour MP Brian Leishman, who represents Alloa and Grangemouth.
Recent diplomatic contacts
According to the Sahara Press Service (SPS), British officials have continued meeting representatives of the Polisario Front following a meeting hosted by the then Minister for the Middle East and North Africa in August 2025.
The latest contacts took place in London on September 17 and in New York on October 8, highlighting the continuation of diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
Recent diplomatic contacts
Doughty stressed that the UK continues to engage with all relevant parties in support of the UN-led process. He said the objective remains to reach a settlement based on consensus and mutual compromise that is just, lasting and acceptable to the parties involved.
He also referred to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the right of peoples to self-determination.
The issue of Western Sahara continues to receive attention in the British Parliament, with Leishman raising questions about the government’s diplomatic engagement and its role in supporting international efforts to resolve the conflict.
The UK’s latest statement reiterates its commitment to the UN-led process as efforts continue to seek a lasting political solution that respects the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.


