A storm of controversy continues to swirl around Newcastle’s deepening connections with Saudi Arabia, as human rights campaigners and local activists voice growing concerns about the influence of the Gulf state on the city’s future.
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00:00A storm of controversy continues to swirl around Newcastle's deepening connections with Saudi Arabia as human rights campaigners and local activists voice growing concerns about the influence of the Gulf state on the city's future.
00:12Critics of Saudi Public Investment Fund's involvement with Newcastle United have labelled the club's recent Cup triumph a tainted victory, citing high-profile cases like the Saudi fitness instructor that was sentenced to 11 years in prison for advocating women's rights and posting images of herself without traditional clothing.
00:29Despite such controversies, senior figures in the region have defended their engagement with Saudi partners.
00:35Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, was part of a UK delegation to Riyadh last May for a trade and investment summit, during which Newcastle was pitched as the gateway to Saudi.
00:46Smith argued that rejecting investment opportunities over human rights concerns would amount to narrowing what you can do for residents on Tyneside.
00:54She added that it was up to national leaders to handle matters on international diplomacy, stating I will leave that to others who are more qualified.
01:02Since PIF's 2021 takeover of Newcastle United, substantial investment has yet to materialise.
01:08However, speculation persists around potential developments, including a new football stadium and a Saudi stake in Newcastle International Airport.
01:16Newcastle University has also been named as a future partner in a joint international institution for clean hydrogen.
01:23City Council leader Karen Kilgower confirmed that while she is not personally engaged with Saudi developers, that is not to say developers will not come forward, adding that all proposals will be taken on their individual merits.
01:35Kilgower echoed Smith's position that it's the UK government's role to address human rights issues, not local councils.
01:41She warned that opposing such investments could hurt local communities.