The British government today withdrew its bid for a $XNUMX million contract to sell prison expertise to Saudi Arabia, which was opposed by the opposition and human rights groups.
Prime Minister David Cameron's office said London had withdrawn the training offer after a review of the Ministry of Justice's "priorities". It is also reported that Cameron wrote to Saudi authorities that he was "very concerned" about the case of a British man who was sentenced to 350 lashes for possessing alcohol.
A former worker in the oil industry, Karl Andri (74), spent a year in prison after being caught with home-made wine and is threatened with public flogging. His son stated that he was in fragile health and might not survive his sentence, which is why he asked Cameron to personally intervene.
Organizations for the protection of human rights are asking the British authorities to take a tougher stance towards Saudi Arabia, which is a major strategic and trading partner, as well as the largest buyer of British weapons.
Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn strongly opposed the agreement on training in prisons.
"We should send a strong message to repressive regimes that the UK is a beacon for human rights and that this kind of offer is unacceptable in the 21st century," Corbyn said.
Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who also expressed reservations about the deal, said the offer was put forward in April but was withdrawn after further consideration of the issue.
He defended Great Britain's relationship with Saudi Arabia, stating that security cooperation between the two countries has saved lives, but that a balance must be struck between security and defense of the values in which British citizens believe.
Bonus video:
