UK Relations with Qatar

He agreed that relations are excellent, highlighting the return of British citizens and a joint squadron. He praised the appointment of Yousef Al-Khater as ambassador and discussed progress on workers' rights during his visit to Qatar where he saw efforts against rogue employers and the introduction of a minimum wage.

Qatar is a friend and should engage in honest dialogue, acknowledging progress on political reform but calling for more. A 2020 law authorizing imprisonment for broadcasting false rumours could be problematic. Concerns remain about LGBT rights, labour rights, and the lack of transparency regarding migrant worker deaths. The UK can play a role as an interlocutor to end the illegal blockade imposed by Saudi Arabia.

I urge the government to reconsider the decision to sell arms to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as it undermines our moral authority in the region. It is time for the UK to lead on human rights issues.

Commended the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on securing the debate, highlighted issues regarding the blockade of Qatar, praised the new port constructed by Qatar despite the blockade, noted the importance of fostering cultural change in addressing human rights issues, acknowledged progress but still a way to go.

Mr Shannon congratulated the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on bringing this debate and praised Qatar's long-standing diplomatic relations with the UK, noting £40 billion in Qatari investment to date and total bilateral trade of £6.7 billion in 19. He questioned whether relying heavily on a single supplier is prudent, highlighting that UK companies operating in Qatar number 1,134, with joint ventures totaling 993. Additionally, he brought up concerns about Qatar's support for Muslim Brotherhood-linked networks and requested clarity from the Minister on monitoring these relationships. Constructive criticism from friends is beneficial in maintaining relationships, allowing for positive engagement and addressing issues effectively. On reform and labour relations, I referred to the reforms not going far enough. Will the Minister give some indication of what the Government are doing to ensure that the reforms go that stage further and give workers' rights the protections that we all want? Will the Minister give way? Never mind.

The relationship between the UK and Qatar is important for our economy, but it must also be scrutinised to ensure that we are not complicit in human rights abuses. We need a balanced approach.

It is essential that any trade deal with Qatar includes robust measures for the protection of workers' rights and environmental standards, as promised by the government during negotiations.

The government must take steps to ensure that trade deals with Qatar do not compromise the rights of workers and the environment. I am particularly concerned about the construction sector where there have been reports of exploitation.

Sir David Amess praised the strong bilateral ties between the UK and Qatar, highlighting economic, energy, cultural, and educational partnerships. He noted positive steps in workers' rights and women's rights advancement in Qatar. He also mentioned the importance of Qatar's role in hosting the 2022 World Cup and the potential for green hydrogen collaboration.

Mr Crabb highlighted the importance of diversifying energy sources, citing the gas supplies that come through his constituency in Preseli Pembrokeshire as an example. He argued for enhancing energy security by opening up facilities to provide new sources of energy supply. Stephen Crabb highlighted the strong energy partnership between the UK and Qatar, particularly focusing on the South Hook terminal in his constituency which has played a crucial role in the UK's gas supply, especially during the initial coronavirus lockdown. He also mentioned the importance of the direct flight route from Cardiff to Doha operated by Qatar Airways since May 2018.

He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the UK and Qatar, discussing its diplomatic, security, and economic benefits. He mentioned specific collaborations like Al Udeid airbase and the South Hook LNG terminal, emphasizing their significance for energy diversity in the UK. Doughty raised concerns about workers' rights issues linked to the World Cup, including allegations of exploitation and abuse, and asked for an assessment of these concerns. He also questioned the Government's role in resolving the diplomatic crisis among Gulf nations and addressing conflicts such as Yemen's humanitarian disaster.