Derek Deedman

Acting Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable boycotted the state visit of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Dr Cable turned down an invite to a Buckingham Palace banquet in the King’s honour, citing Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record, and the alleged corruption around the regime’s arms deal with the British firm BAE.

Vince Cable said, “I have introduced three debates in Parliament this year expressing serious concerns over the Al-Yamamah contract and the corruption allegedly involved.  I have, in my arguments, also been very critical of members of the Saudi royal family and the Saudi record on human rights including its maltreatment of British citizens. In my opinion, it is quite wrong for the British government to have proposed a state visit at this time. Therefore, it was, I believe, inappropriate for me to participate in a ceremonial state visit against this background.”

Derek Deedman, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Arundel & South Downs at the 2001 and 2005 General Elections, commented, “I fully support the action taken by Vince Cable. Unlike the other major parties the Liberal Democrats stand by their principles, and will not toady-up to the leaders of other countries where we have been critical of their actions, especially in the sphere of human rights.”