Foreign Secretary James Cleverly criticised for saying LGBT football fans should 'respect' Qatar
Sunak under pressure over reappointing Braverman - politics liveSpeaking to Sky News, Mr Cleverly said: "We have incredibly important partners in the Middle East."These are Muslim countries, they have a very different cultural starting point [from] us."I think it's important, when you're a visitor to a country, that you respect the culture of your host nation." Sophy Ridge on Sunday podcast: 'You're the journalist, not me' | James Cleverly and Sharon Graham Jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai's son criticises UK government for failing to denounce China Taliban 'trying to erase women' from society in Afghanistan, foreign secretary James Cleverly says He added: "We do talk to them about our values and why we believe it's important that people's rights from all kinds of communities are respected."And of course it will be something that we continue to talk to them about."Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video playerWorld Cup used to 'sport-wash atrocious rights records'Labour's shadow culture secretary criticised Mr Cleverly's remarks, describing them as "shockingly tone-deaf".Lucy Powell said: "Many fans will feel they can't attend this tournament to cheer on their team because of Qatar's record on human, workers, and LGBT+ rights."The government should be challenging FIFA on how they've put fans in this position, and ensuring the full safety of all fans attending, not defending discriminatory values."Read more:LGBT Qataris arrested and abusedHarry Kane's anti-discrimination messageMeet the ref who could make World Cup historyHer view was echoed by Layla Moran, a Lib Dem MP, who said the World Cup should be a "celebration" but it is being used by Qatar to "sport-wash their atrocious human rights.
