I share the concerns of many constituents about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia and their upcoming bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council this October. I am strongly opposed to the death penalty in all countries and in all circumstances, as a matter of principle: this is also the longstanding position of the UK in line with the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right.
The UK Government regularly raises concerns about the use of the death penalty, including individual cases, with the Saudi authorities at the highest levels and must continue to do so, especially for juvenile case. Indeed, during Saudi Arabia’s Universal Period Review at the Human Rights Council on 22 January 2024, the UK recommended that Saudi Arabia abolish the juvenile death penalty and conduct thorough investigations into individuals who may have been minors at the time of their alleged crimes. The UK must also continue to raise concern through multilateral organisations, such as the UN Human Rights Council and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In addition, I understand that the British Embassy Riyadh closely monitors the cases of all juvenile death penalty defendants and regularly attempts to attend their trials.
Despite this, I must acknowledge that working with Saudi Arabia and Gulf partners is more essential than ever following Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, both to increase the diplomatic and economic pressure on Putin’s regime and to minimise the impact of the conflict on the global energy market.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is a part of the Gulf Cooperation Council, an intergovernmental political and economic union comprising one of the world's most important networks for regional and security issues. The GCC, for example, is an important counterweight to Iran's destabilising activity in the Middle East and an influential advocate of the Middle East Peace Process aimed at delivering a secure future for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
These are issues that many people in this country rightly care about, and which the UK cannot hope to help resolve without cooperating with the GCC and its members. The last Government recognised this, and I welcome that the new Government has made its commitment to strengthening ties with Gulf partners clear.
It is heartening that the social, economic and legal rights situation there has certainly improved over the last few years, but the clampdown on political activity and freedom of expression - not to mention the use of the death penalty - remains troubling.
Defending human rights must always be at the heart of UK foreign policy. As the UK strengthens its relationship with Saudi Arabia, I want to see the new Government use this access to raise human rights concerns directly and frankly with the Saudi authorities wherever they arise. I expect the Government to do so using a range of ministerial and diplomatic channels, including via the UK Ambassador and Embassy team in Riyadh.
Please be assured that I will monitor developments closely and will not hesitate to hold Ministers accountable in Parliament where I feel there are shortcomings in calling out human rights violations.
Regarding the vote at the UN in October, I am currently unaware of the Labour Government's position on this matter; however, I hope this letter clearly sets out my broader views on Saudi Arabia and human rights.
