Visit to the UK by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

Thank you for contacting me about the visit to the UK by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman.

Among other purposes the Government used the visit to enhance our co-operation in tackling international challenges such as terrorism, extremism, the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Yemen and other regional issues such as Iraq and Syria.

I am aware that Vision 2030, a programme of internal reforms, has been set in motion in Saudi Arabia by the Crown Prince. These include lifting the ban on women driving from June this year, opening up attendance at major sporting events to women and allowing cinemas to operate in the country. Vision 2030 aims to catalyse and open up the country's economy over the next 15 years, which will provide opportunities for British businesses to help support delivery in areas such as education, entertainment and healthcare where they have world-class expertise.

It is my view that maintaining a good relationship with Saudi Arabia allows us to support their important programme of reform, and to have frank conversations on matters where we both have concerns. It is for this reason that I did not support the petition to prevent the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia from visiting the UK.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.