The opposition parties of Welsh and various social organizations criticized Mark Drakeford, Prime Minister of the British nation, for his stay in a five-star hotel during the World Cup in Qatar that was paid for by the host nation. The main point is that the visit undermines the country’s efforts in terms of human rights and, therefore, they called for politicians who went to the Middle East to match the cost of their trip in donations to organizations that work for this cause.
At the time, the British politician had indicated that his visit was important, because it was the first time in 60 years that Welsh had qualified for the highest international soccer tournament. In addition, Drakeford stated that this would allow him to raise his human rights concerns with his hosts and with the world community that would be present throughout the cup.
“This was an opportunity to discuss trade and investment treaties with members of the Qatari government and international labor organizations, as well as a place where workers’ rights could be discussed and cultural exchange meetings taken place between the two. nations,” said a spokesperson for the government of Welsh. According to this statement, the stay at the Ritz-Carlton hotel was part of a package offered to all diplomatic visitors and had no influence on the way in which the european country He sees his Asian peer.
The opposition’s response
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democratic Party, said that “by accepting this gift, Mark Drakeford has potentially undermined all of our territory’s effort and commitment to human, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights.” She added that from her party they hope that the prime minister “donates the equivalent of his stay to organizations that work on the problems of Qatar.”
For their part, Amnesty International stated that “it would cause a real problem if politicians from any country accepted any kind of “luxurious” hospitality and then felt compromised when criticizing them for their role in human rights.”
