‘The UK-UAE relationship is central to driving economic growth – it’s our largest trading partner in the region.’ So tweeted David Lammy earlier this month following a meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed, the Emirati foreign minister. Perhaps the Foreign Secretary should think twice before making such boasts. The UAE is up to its neck in the crisis unfolding in Sudan – and the United Kingdom’s warm relations with Abu Dhabi may soon develop into a diplomatic minefield for the government.
Between the latest offensives in the Russo-Ukrainian war and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, there has been too little space even in the international pages of the papers for the horror story unfolding in Sudan. This has seemed to suit British politicians: the previous government was accused of trying to ‘suppress criticism’ of the UAE’s role in the conflict.
Government policy is to ‘smash the gangs’ – it should start with the RSF
Labour cannot afford to play the same game.
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