PM looked into United deal – but did not intervene
BORIS Johnson has insisted he did not intervene in any way in the failed Saudi bid to buy Newcastle United.
Mr Johnson’s spokesman confirmed that the Prime Minister did ask has aide Lord Eddie Lister to look into the stalled bid.
But the spokesman insisted that this simply meant the Government was checking on the progress of the talks, which could potentially have led to Saudi investment in a UK business - and was not intervening.
Mr Johnson’s spokesman told journalists: “This was a commercial matter for the parties concerned and the Government was not involved at any point on the takeover talks.
“The Prime Minister didn’t intervene. The Government was not involved at any point on these takeover talks.
“The Prime Minister asked Lord Lister to check on the progress of the talks as a potential major foreign investment in the UK. He didn’t ask him to intervene.”
It follows reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year made a personal plea to PM Boris Johnson for a decision on the takeover bid.
Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund was attempting to buy the club, currently owned by Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley, and a price close to £300m had reportedly been agreed.
But the Premier League, which had to approve the sale, delayed making a decision, and the Saudi investors eventually pulled out. It’s been reported that the Premier League came under pressure from human rights organisations such as Amnesty to block the deal. There was also criticism from some Labour MPs, although North East MPs generally welcomed the prospect of new ownership and investment in the club. Exactly what caused the long delay in the Premier League’s decisionmaking has never become clear. In August last year, Mr Johnson wrote to members of the Newcastle United Supporters Trust saying that he backed calls for answers.
He said: “I appreciate
The Prime Minister asked Lord Lister to check on the progress of the talks, not to intervene No 10 spokesman
many Newcastle fans were hoping this takeover bid would go ahead and can understand their sense of disappointment.
“I have seen the recent email sent to Newcastle fans from the Independent Football Ombudsman and agree with their conclusion that the Premier League should make a statement on this case.”