Labour leader Keir Starmer is set to meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a diplomatic mission aimed at securing crucial infrastructure investments for Britain. The high-stakes visit, commencing this weekend, represents a significant shift in Labour’s stance towards Gulf state relations.
The diplomatic agenda includes initial talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan before proceeding to Saudi Arabia. The primary objective centres on negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement encompassing six Gulf nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The diplomatic overture towards Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy, given the kingdom’s contentious human rights record and its military involvement in Yemen. The situation is particularly delicate considering US intelligence assessments linking Prince Mohammed to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The meeting marks a notable departure from Starmer’s previous criticism of Boris Johnson’s similar diplomatic endeavours in 2022.
Economic considerations appear to be driving this strategic pivot. Current trade relations with Saudi Arabia amount to £17 billion, supporting approximately 90,000 British jobs. The Labour government’s pursuit of Gulf investment aligns with Starmer’s ambitious green energy initiatives and infrastructure development plans.
The timing of this diplomatic mission follows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s recent state visit to Britain, which yielded significant agreements on green energy partnerships and defence cooperation. Downing Street has emphasised the strategic importance of these Gulf nations, describing them as “vital modern-day partners” for enhancing investment and strengthening security alliances.
The diplomatic mission also carries additional significance as Starmer plans to advocate for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, push for hostage releases, and accelerate humanitarian aid efforts in the region. This multifaceted approach demonstrates Labour’s commitment to balancing economic interests with broader geopolitical responsibilities.
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