Campaigners hit out at UK’s military deal
and have increased arrests and harassment of political and human rights activists and government critics.
In Qatar – ruled by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani – the authorities are accused of restricting the rights to freedom of expression.
Douglas Young, an ex-Queen’s Own Highlanders officer and former chairman of British Armed Forces Federation, urged caution on the issue.
He said: “These are difficult issues but I don’t believe that human rights would benefit from a wholesale withdrawal of UK security and justice sector assistance from countries about which there are concerns.
“Oman has made remarkable progress not only in development but also in women’s rights and voting rights.”
But defence chiefs admitted they had fears about the human rights records of both states despite our troops continuing to work closely with them.
The MoD defended the link-ups. A spokeswoman said: “We’ve raised concerns about human rights abuses in public and in private and will continue to do so as situations arise.”
It was announced last March that the UK and Oman will cooperate with Babcock International on fitting out a naval support shipyard to accommodate the new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, due to enter service by 2021.
Omani-UK defence ties were strengthened when a memorandum of understanding was signed by both governments.
It will see the British Army deploy 45 infantry training teams to Oman this year, in addition to 195 personnel already there.