The ambassador for Saudi Arabia says Jeremy Corbyn lacks 'respect'

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador to the UK, has accused the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of "breaching respect".

Writing for the Daily Telegraph on Monday, in an article titled "How Saudi Arabia helps Britain keep the peace", Prince Mohammed sought to defend his country against recent attacks on its human rights record.

Citing the "change in the way Saudi Arabia is discussed in Britain", the prince explained that the country's laws are determined by Islam and the Koran:

Just as we respect the local traditions, customs, laws and religion of Britain, we expect Britain to grant us this same respect. We do not seek special treatment, but we do expect fairness.

Claiming that the relations between the two countries allow "trade, cultural exchanges and military cooperation to flourish", the prince took aim at Mr Corbyn for his part in the cancellation of a contract which saw the British government advise Saudi Arabia on prison reform:

One example of mutual respect being breached recently took place when opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed that he had convinced prime minister David Cameron to cancel a prison consultancy contract with Saudi Arabia worth £5.9 million.

Prince Mohammed also appeared to threaten that if such attacks continue, then "the extensive trade links between the two countries" might be at risk.

We want this relationship to continue but we will not be lectured to by anyone.

A spokesperson for Mr Corbyn said the Labour leader stands by the comments he made about Saudi Arabia in his conference speech.

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