WORLD CUP CASH GOES TO ISIS!
MONEY earmarked for UK firms helping to build World Cup 2022 venues is being siphoned off to ISIS, MPs were told yesterday.
Brit companies awarded contracts for the project in Qatar are being short-changed while some of the unpaid cash has ended up in the hands of the Islamic extremists in Syria, claims Steve Rotheram.
The Labour MP for Liverpool Walton called on ministers to examine the allegations.
Siphoned
Speaking during Foreign Office question time Mr Rotheram told Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood: “There are accusations that some UK companies are being short-changed on contracts associated with the construction of World Cup venues in Qatar and even claims that some monies unpaid are being siphoned off to Syria and into the hands of ISIS. Can you look urgently to these allegations, and can you offer support to UK firms regarding their reimbursement by the Qatari royalty, government or businesses?”
Mr Ellwood replied: “I was in Doha last week and I raised this very issue. “They do what is called a kafala system, which you may be aware of. It is being replaced to give greater rights to migrant workers – there are 1.3 million in Qatar – but also giving responsibilities to the employers as well to make sure they look after these. “It is something that will be raised this week when the Emir of Qatar visits this country.”