Qatar World Cup: Drakeford Unrepentant About Complimentary Accommodation at Hotel
Welsh First Minister's Visit to Qatar during World Cup Sparks Debate
Mark Drakeford, the Welsh First Minister, attended the World Cup in Qatar last month, accepting a free stay at the Ritz-Carlton as part of the hospitality package. The visit, which also included meetings with government officials, companies, arts organizations, and local media, was not disclosed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, who stated that it was important for the UK government to be represented at the World Cup.
According to reports, the expenses for two ministers (Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething) and four officials were covered by Qatar, with each stay lasting for three nights. The Welsh government defends the trip, stating that it provided an opportunity to promote Wales on the global stage and seek investment from Qatar.
However, the news of the hospitality plan has raised concerns about potential threats to the Welsh government's stance on human rights. Drakeford stated that he raised human rights issues at every possible opportunity during his stay in Qatar. He also mentioned that the safety regime surrounding the games necessitated his acceptance of the hospitality package.
Amnesty International has challenged ministers to address concerns about Qatar's treatment of LGBT people, women, and migrant workers. The organization has been critical of Qatar's human rights record, with concerns raised about the working conditions for migrant workers building the stadiums and infrastructure for the World Cup.
Drakeford attended various World Cup games during his stay. The Welsh government paid £13,000 for the ministers' flights, but Qatar covered the accommodation costs. It is unclear if other ministers and officials accepted the same hospitality package as Drakeford.
As of the last updated date (6 January 2023), there is no information indicating that Drakeford accepted controversial hospitality during the World Cup in Qatar, nor any related responses from Amnesty International or the Welsh government. The details of the visit will be published in the usual way.
In November, Drakeford stated that the decision to attend the World Cup was a "challenging and very closely balanced choice." The visit has sparked debate, with some questioning the decision to accept hospitality from Qatar and the potential impact on the Welsh government's stance on human rights.
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