Saudi Arabia: Death Penalty and Spike in Executions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Andrew Bridgen
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Saudi Arabia: Death Penalty and Spike in Executions
Andrew Bridgen Excerpts(1 year, 5 months ago)
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David Rutley
Our long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia is underpinned by very frank engagement, as the hon. Member can see from points that I and others in the Chamber have raised. We regularly raise concerns when our values differ, as they do on these matters, and no aspect of our relationship prevents us from speaking candidly about human rights.
Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con)
Will the Minister make a commitment that he and his fellow Ministers will continue to push for progress in Saudi Arabia on all areas of human rights, not exclusively, but including on the death penalty, women’s rights and freedom of religion or belief?
David Rutley
My hon. Friend makes a very good point. It is not just about the very sad spikes in executions; we seek to engage on a much wider agenda on human rights, not least on the freedom of religion or belief. We will continue in the grown-up relationship that we have, in which we can confront values that we do not think sit with ours and help to move that agenda further forward.