Qatar: Football World Cup 2022

Lord Addington Excerpts

Tuesday 30th November 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)]

We are aware of these cases and are closely monitoring developments. We understand that Qatari and Norwegian authorities, to whom the noble Lord refers, are in communication. The UK remains committed to media freedom and to the global media freedom campaign, launched in 2018. Obviously, a large cohort from the British press is expected to attend next year’s tournament. As part of the FCDO’s preparations, we will be working closely with the press community, providing advice on local laws and seeking assurances from FIFA and the Qatari authorities as required.

[Lord Addington (LD)]

My Lords, I cannot be the only person who received an assurance from the embassy of Qatar, saying that things have improved dramatically, including the introduction of a minimum wage and the banning of exit visas. Can the Government use their authority, along with that of their allies, to make sure that FIFA agrees that such policies have to be in place before a country can bid for a major competition, not after it has been awarded, so that we will not have to go through this again?

[Lord Sharpe of Epsom (Con)]

The noble Lord makes a very important point, and I will certainly take it back to my FCDO colleagues.