Public Executions in Saudi Arabia

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I have consistently opposed the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle, and are horrified to learn of the cases of Abdullah al‑Derazi and Jalal al‑Labbad. The death penalty is unjustifiable in all circumstances; its use against children, peaceful protestors and journalists is especially grotesque.

Previous UK Governments have intervened publicly and helped prevent similar executions. There is no justification for the current Government’s reluctance to do likewise.

The UK Government must be clear that these executions are unacceptable. We must also be prepared to use the UK’s Magnitsky sanctions regime against any individuals involved in the execution of protestors and child defendants.

The UK must use every diplomatic channel to press the Saudi authorities to halt these executions, commute death sentences, and end their practice of targeting peaceful dissent. If our Government wishes to claim international moral leadership, it must demonstrate it here.

I have written to the Foreign Secretary to ask what specific action the Government is taking in relation to these cases, and to urge a clear and public call for these executions to be halted. I will, of course, share any response I receive.