Jeremy Corbyn challenges David Cameron to intervene in Saudi human rights abuses
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has challenged David Cameron to intervene in human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at his party’s conference in Brighton today, an impassioned Corbyn challenged the Prime Minister to intervene in Saudi Arabia in the possible execution of 17-year-old Ali al-Nimr.
The teenager possibly faces execution by crucifixion for his part in a pro-democracy protest.
“We have to be very clear about what we stand for in human rights”, he said. “A refusal to stand up is the thing that damages Britain’s standing in the world.”
Going on, Mr Corbyn said Britain should scrap proposed plans by the justice ministry to sell its expertise to Saudi Arabia for its prison service.
He said: “I’ve been standing up for human rights, challenging oppressive regimes for 30 years as a backbench MP. And before that as an individual activist like everyone else in this hall.”
Hailing those who have campaign for human rights, he honoured “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.
Noting the high execution rates in the country, Mr Corbyn said it was not acceptable.
Later in his speech, the newly elected leader attacked the Tories’ proposed plans to scrap the Human Rights Act.
Mr Corbyn also called the welfare bill an attack on human rights.
He also thanked former deputy leader Harriet Harman for her work towards equality, and paid tribute to campaigns around the world against human rights abuses.
Mr Corbyn was criticised by the Daily Mail for presenting a programme on Iran’s state-run Press TV because of the country’s human rights abuses.
In an interview with PinkNews earlier this year, Mr Corbyn said he would put LGBT and human rights in front of relationships with overseas nations.
