Saudi visit a shameful stain on Britain – MPs
Cornwall’s five Liberal Democrat MPs have condemned the government for hosting Saudi Arabiaian Leader, King Abdullah Al-Saud on a lavish state visit.
The group of Cornish MPs say the visit will do nothing to promote human rights in a regime which routinely uses torture and where women cannot leave their homes without a male “guardian”.
The Conservative Leader, David Cameron, is to join the Prime Minister for a banquet with King Abdullah Al-Saud. Acting Liberal Democrat Leader, Vince Cable, has declined to attend.
Commenting, North Cornwall’s MP, Dan Rogerson said:
“Why is the British Establishment so content to roll out the red carpet for the leader of such a suspect regime?
“While David Cameron and Gordon Brown should be challenging the Saudi Leader on the appalling human rights record of his government, they instead choose to dine with him in full finery at the top table.
“Effective house arrest for women and habitual torture should be met with strong condemnation, not extravagant hospitality. What a shameful stain on our country.”
Andrew George, MP for the West Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency of St Ives, who called a debate in February about British arms exports to Saudi Arabia, added:
“After the Al Yamamah arms deal and the allegations of corruption surrounding it, the Government should be taking a more cautious approach.
“I can understand both Labour and the Conservatives will want to try and forget their involvement in this sorry tale and instead turn attention to their need to develop better diplomatic links in the Middle East.”
Notes to Editors:
The Foreign Office describes Saudi Arabia as follows:
Women are subject to discrimination. Prisoners suffer maltreatment and torture. Capital punishment is imposed without adequate safeguards, and often executed in a cruel way and in public. Amputations are imposed as corporal punishment. Shiite citizens suffer discrimination. We also have concerns about freedom of expression, assembly and religion
