UK PM to Raise Human Rights Concerns in Saudi Crown Prince Visit

Theresa May says she will be “raising concerns about human rights” in Saudi Arabia when she meets the country’s crown prince later, according to BBC.

Mohammed bin Salman is starting a three- day visit to the UK amid protests planned against his country’s role in the war in Yemen.

Jeremy Corbyn accused the government of “col- luding” in war crimes by selling arms to Riyadh.

But the PM said ties between the two nations had saved hundreds of lives.

The 32- year- old crown prince is seen by some as a modernising force in the Gulf State.

In addition to talks with Mrs May, he is having lunch with the Queen and Duke of York, and is due to have dinner with the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge.

The UK hopes to capitalise on the Saudi economy’s opening-up, but demonstrators are expected to protest outside Downing Street against the killing of Yemeni civilians in air strikes by a Saudi-led multinational coalition - backed by the UK and US - that is battling the rebel Houthi movement.

The crown prince, who is regarded as being heir presumptive to the 82-year old King Salman, is making his first visit to the UK since taking up the role last year.

He is credited with kickstarting economic and social reforms in the conservative desert kingdom, such as the upcoming lifting of the ban on women driving.