UK-Saudi Arabia Ties: A Dangerous Dance with Repression

Dispatches UK’s Invite to Saudi Crown Prince Risks Rubber-Stamping Repression

The Issue at Hand

The United Kingdom is soon set to host Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, despite the country’s severe human rights abuses both domestically and internationally. The focus of the visit is expected to be on the UK’s pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Saudi Arabia is a prominent member. However, there has been a concerning lack of transparency regarding the ongoing negotiations, with the UK government failing to publicly commit to including comprehensive rights protections, particularly for migrant workers.

It is vital that the UK does not prioritize economic expediency or bolster the Saudi government’s public relations strategy on human rights in its pursuit of a trade deal. No visit or trade agreement should occur without substantial improvements in human rights, specifically labor rights, to ensure that trade with the UK is not tainted by the Saudi government’s ongoing abuses.

The Specter of Sportswashing

Since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, Saudi Arabia has engaged in aggressive sportswashing tactics. In the UK, its involvement in the acquisition of Newcastle United Football Club has sparked controversy, while the proposed merger between Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, and the PGA Tour to create LIV Golf exemplifies the insidious act of sportswashing. American lawmakers have rightfully criticized this deal as a means for a “brutal, repressive regime” to buy influence.

Scrutinizing these high-profile purchases reveals a country that remains deeply repressive. Saudi Arabia executed 196 people last year, including 81 in a single day in March—the largest mass execution in the kingdom’s history. Dissent is not tolerated, as seen in the case of Salma al-Shehab, a doctoral student studying in the UK whose sentence was extended from 6 years to 34 years for sharing opinions on Twitter that contradicted the state’s views. Sadly, her situation is far from isolated. Human Rights Watch has extensively documented how the Saudi government abuses its counterterrorism and cybercrime laws to stifle dissent.

If the UK proceeds with the visit, it risks deepening the perception that the Saudi regime can act with impunity regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and its ongoing atrocities in Yemen. Additionally, it would send a signal that the UK is willing to overlook and even legitimize further repression within Saudi Arabia.

The Importance of Upholding Human Rights

The UK government’s decision to invite the Saudi Crown Prince raises serious questions about its commitment to human rights and its role as a global leader. By ignoring Saudi Arabia’s egregious record and failing to demand meaningful improvements, the UK risks undermining its own credibility as a champion of human rights.

It is crucial to remember that economic partnerships and trade agreements should never come at the expense of human rights. Governments have a responsibility to hold their trading partners accountable and should prioritize the wellbeing and dignity of individuals over short-term economic gains. The UK’s failure to do so threatens to erode the international norm of upholding human rights and reinforces authoritarian regimes’ belief that they can act with impunity.

Editorial: The UK Must Not Turn a Blind Eye to Abuses

The UK government’s forthcoming visit by the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, is deeply troubling. It reflects a dangerous willingness to prioritize economic interests over human rights and casts a shadow of legitimacy over a regime known for its severe repression.

The UK has long prided itself on being a defender of human rights, holding other countries accountable for their abuses. Yet, by extending an invitation to the Saudi Crown Prince without any substantial progress on human rights, the UK risks tarnishing its own reputation and signaling a disregard for the lives and wellbeing of those suffering under oppressive regimes.

If the UK wishes to maintain its credibility and effectively advocate for human rights, it must take a strong stand against countries that consistently violate basic human rights principles. This includes demanding concrete improvements in labor rights, an end to arbitrary executions, and a commitment to freedom of expression and dissent. Only by doing so can the UK avoid being complicit in the repression inflicted upon individuals within and beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders.

Advice: Pushing for Human Rights Reform

The UK government has a critical role to play in advancing human rights and should use its diplomatic influence to push for meaningful reform in countries like Saudi Arabia. To effectively address this issue, the following actions should be taken:

1. Prioritize human rights in trade negotiations

The UK government must prioritize human rights considerations during trade negotiations, ensuring that comprehensive rights protections, including labor rights, are included in all agreements. Economic interests should never supersede the promotion and protection of human rights.

2. Publicly condemn human rights abuses

The UK government should not shy away from publicly condemning human rights abuses by Saudi Arabia and other repressive regimes. This includes speaking out against arbitrary executions, the crackdown on dissent, and the suppression of freedom of expression. By vocally condemning these actions, the UK can signal its commitment to human rights and encourage other nations to do the same.

3. Leverage diplomatic influence

The UK should leverage its diplomatic relationships to advocate for human rights reforms within Saudi Arabia. This can be achieved through diplomatic dialogues, public statements, and engaging with international human rights bodies. By utilizing its influence, the UK can push for greater accountability and foster positive change in countries with poor human rights records.

4. Engage civil society and human rights organizations

The UK government should actively engage with civil society and human rights organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the human rights situation within Saudi Arabia and coordinate efforts to bring about change. By working together with these organizations, the UK can build a more informed and effective approach to promoting human rights.

By following these recommendations, the UK government can demonstrate its commitment to human rights and avoid the risk of rubber-stamping repression. It is crucial that principles and values are upheld in diplomatic affairs, particularly when dealing with countries that systematically violate basic human rights.

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