May to Challenge MBS over Human Rights as Protests Expected for UK Visit
Local Editor
British Prime Minister Theresa May vowed to challenge Saudi Arabia over its human rights record and its role in the devastating war in Yemen as the Crown Prince jets into London for high-level talks.
Although Mohammed bin Salman will receive the red-carpet treatment when he arrives in the UK on Wednesday for a three-day visit, his visit is expected to trigger large-scale demonstrations over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its role in the bloody conflict in Yemen.
Meanwhile, May has been urged to halt arms sales to the Middle Eastern kingdom until it ends its intervention in Yemen, as Government data shows Britain has licensed £4.6m [$63,8m] worth of arms sales to Saudi Arabia since 2015, according to the Campaign against the Arms Trade [CAAT].
May will reportedly outline Britain's "deep concerns" over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen during her meetings with Prince Salman, who she will host for dinner at Chequers on Thursday.
May's official spokesman said: "You can expect them to discuss Yemen and the Prime Minister to raise our deep concerns at the humanitarian situation. She will acknowledge the steps taken recently by Saudi Arabia to address the crisis but stress the importance of full and unfettered humanitarian and commercial access, including in the ports of Hodeidah and Salif."
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
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