Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his focus on boosting economic growth during a visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, despite mounting criticism over the Gulf states’ human rights records.
The trip, which began Monday, aims to strengthen economic partnerships, with Starmer declaring that “promoting economic growth is the prime minister’s number one priority.”
Addressing concerns, his spokesperson said that the government’s commitment to human rights remains intact, noting that such issues are discussed “regularly” during international engagements.
The visit has drawn scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia’s contentious rights record, including the execution of over 300 people this year — the highest annual toll on record.
Starmer’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is centered on fostering trade ties, with an emphasis on investment in the UK.
A deal involving graphene technology, spearheaded by a Manchester-based company, could inject £250 million into a research hub in Greater Manchester and create over 1,000 skilled jobs.
However, critics argue that trade priorities should not overshadow human rights. Dan Dolan, deputy executive director at legal advocacy group Reprieve, urged Starmer to address Saudi Arabia’s escalating use of the death penalty.
“When Boris Johnson visited Mohammed bin Salman in 2022, three days after the mass execution of 81 people, Sir Keir Starmer was rightly scathing of Johnson’s unconditional embrace of one of the world’s most prolific executioners,” Dolan said.
He called on Starmer to raise the cases of Abdullah al-Howaiti and Abdullah al-Derazi, two child defendants on death row, suggesting that doing so publicly could save their lives.
Balancing Ethics and Economics
Downing Street has sought to reassure critics that economic ambitions are not pursued at the expense of ethical considerations.
Starmer’s spokesperson stated, “No aspect of the relationships that we’re building internationally and abroad stop us from raising issues around human rights and protecting our values globally.”
The tension between economic interests and ethical obligations has been a recurring theme. Starmer previously criticized Boris Johnson for “going cap in hand from dictator to dictator” during similar visits to Saudi Arabia.
The widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, has also urged Starmer to press the crown prince for answers regarding her husband’s 2018 murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
“I hope my husband’s case has not been forgotten,” she said. “There has to be justice for Jamal Khashoggi.”
Bridging Trade and Diplomacy
Starmer’s trip also included a stop in the UAE, where he met President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Discussions covered regional stability, particularly the ongoing crisis in Syria, and the potential for expanded collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, defense, and security.
According to a Downing Street statement, Starmer “welcomed His Highness’s reflections on how to achieve stability in the wider region” and emphasized a shared ambition for greater trade and investment.
The Prime Minister has argued that closer ties with Gulf nations will directly benefit the UK. He highlighted the northern regions, stating that deals like the graphene agreement are crucial for economic rejuvenation.
“My international agenda starts at home,” Starmer said, underlining the domestic benefits of foreign partnerships.
However, as Starmer seeks to solidify economic relationships abroad, the delicate balance of upholding human rights while pursuing growth will remain under intense scrutiny.
