Theresa May has defended her trip to Saudi Arabia, saying the UK's relationship with the kingdom is important "for our security, for trade and the future".
The Prime Minister arrives in Riyadh today, following criticism of British arms deals supporting the Saudi-led coalition in neighbouring Yemen, where the conflict has killed or injured 49,000 people.
"We are concerned about the humanitarian situation, that's why the UK last year was the fourth largest donor to the Yemen in terms of humanitarian aid - £103m. We will be continuing with that," she told the BBC.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"And yes, we will be raising the humanitarian issue. We believe it is important that we recognise the threat that there is in terms of people's lives. We will be supporting that through the aid and support that we give."
She added that the relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia was imperative for security, defence and trade.
"As I said when I came to the Gulf at the end of last year: Gulf security is our security, Gulf prosperity is our prosperity," she said.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said if May did not challenge Saudi leaders over these issues, "it will be clear she is ready to sacrifice human rights and security on the altar of the arms trade".
John Pienaar, deputy political editor of the BBC, said: "Shared intelligence in the fight against terrorism is said to have been valuable. And the PM's been keen to emphasise the British aid effort in Yemen.
"Yet some MPs - on the Conservative side too - dislike the sight of Britain supporting a blockade in Yemen, and seeking to relieve the suffering it causes at the same moment. Others simply argue that Britain is selling its principles for profit."
The Prime Minister also said she hoped to use the trip to send a message about female leadership in a country where women need permission from a male guardian to travel and are barred from driving.
She told reporters: "I hope that people see me as a woman leader [and] will see what women can achieve and how women can be in significant positions.
"I've talked to the Saudis on a number of occasions now and I raise issues of this sort. I think we have already seen some changes."
-
How did Qatar become the world's peacemaker?Today's Big Question Strong relationships, ideological pragmatism and neutral positioning has made the tiny Gulf state 'the diplomatic capital of the world'
-
What difference will the 'historic' UK-Germany treaty make?Today's Big Question Europe's two biggest economies sign first treaty since WWII, underscoring 'triangle alliance' with France amid growing Russian threat and US distance
-
'We know these services are needed'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Is the G7 still relevant?Talking Point Donald Trump's early departure cast a shadow over this week's meeting of the world's major democracies
-
Angela Rayner: Labour's next leader?Today's Big Question A leaked memo has sparked speculation that the deputy PM is positioning herself as the left-of-centre alternative to Keir Starmer
-
Donald Trump's foreign policy flip in the Middle EastTalking Point Surprise lifting of sanctions on Syria shows Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar are now effectively 'dictating US foreign policy'
-
A running list of Trump's conflicts of interestIn Depth A potential Qatari plane is the latest in a series of problematic connections
-
Trump touts ambiguous 'deals' as Middle East trip wraps upIN THE SPOTLIGHT The president's whirlwind regional tour concludes with glitz, bravado and an unclear list of concrete accomplishments
