Theresa May defends Saudi Arabia trip after human rights concerns

Prime Minister says relationship with kingdom is important for UK's security, defence and trade

Theresa May meets Saudi King Salman
Theresa May meets Saudi King Salman in December 2016
(Image credit: Stringer)

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.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up
Latest Videos FromThe Week