Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the economic benefits of strengthening trade relations with Saudi Arabia, particularly for the north of England, during his visit to the Middle East. Starmer’s diplomatic mission includes stops in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering closer economic ties with the Gulf states and advancing his government’s growth agenda.
The trip coincides with significant upheaval in the region following the overthrow of Syria’s government. President Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow over the weekend after rebel fighters seized control, marking a dramatic shift in the Middle Eastern political landscape. Ahead of his visit, Starmer welcomed the collapse of what he described as a “brutal regime,” framing it as an opportunity for the region to rebuild.
During Starmer’s visit, a groundbreaking trade deal was announced between Graphene Innovation Manchester, a Manchester-based company specializing in advanced materials, and Saudi Arabia. The deal, which involves the application of graphene in the ambitious Neom project, a futuristic megacity in the Saudi desert, is expected to bring £250 million in investment and research to Greater Manchester. The partnership is anticipated to create over a thousand skilled jobs and position the north of England as a hub for innovative, environmentally sustainable technologies.
Graphene, celebrated for its durability and eco-friendly properties, will play a crucial role in the Neom project, which aims to establish a “desert utopia.” This collaboration underscores the potential for British innovation to contribute to transformative global projects while simultaneously driving domestic economic growth.
Speaking about his mission, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible benefits for all parts of the UK. “Every region and nation in the United Kingdom should feel the impact of our Plan for Change,” he said. “I am in the Gulf forging closer ties and strengthening relationships that support our growth mission in every corner of the country. My international agenda starts at home.”
However, the visit has not been without controversy. Human rights organizations, including Reprieve, have urged Starmer to address Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking 300 executions this year. Advocacy groups highlighted the plight of individuals, including child defendants, who remain on death row. They called on the prime minister to use his diplomatic influence to push for clemency and reforms.
Starmer’s Middle East tour reflects a delicate balance between advancing economic interests and addressing pressing human rights concerns, as he seeks to align international diplomacy with domestic growth objectives.
