On 18 January 2021, Rushanara Ali MP spoke in the House of Commons during an adjournment debate on Somaliland. 

During the debate, led by Gavin Williamson MP, Rushanara called on the UK Government to formally recognise Somaliland's right to self-determination and their need to be an independent state. She also recognised the important contribution that Somalilanders have made to the development agenda, and called on the UK Government to reverse its decision to cut its international aid budget. 

Rushanara Ali MP said: “Last year, Somaliland celebrated thirty years since its declaration of independence from the Somali Democratic Republic. It has its own independent government, its own currency, its own democratic elections and its own national identity, but is still not recognised by the international community as an independent state. The UK Government should formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, and take steps with other international partners to help bring about a peaceful and lasting settlement in the region based on the self-determination of the people of Somaliland.”