Newcastle fans slam Kim McGuinness deal with Saudi Arabia

The Newcastle United Fans Club Fans Against Saudi (NUFCFAS) are accusing the PM of prioritising economic growth over human nights.

Downing Street has said the economy was Sir Keir’s “number one priority” but insisted he would still be able to raise concerns about the Saudi government’s human rights record.

As part of the visit to Saudi Arabia, the Government has signed a deal to share expertise in culture, heritage, and tourism.

Britain and the Saudis will work to set up an international institute for clean hydrogen, backed by a consortium of universities, including Newcastle University.

(Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth) John Hird, a spokesperson for NUFCFAS, said: “In three years of Saudi state ownership of our club local politicians have unfortunately been falling over themselves to cosy up to the human rights abusing regime, while Newcastle’s reputation gets dragged through the mud, it’s also not been clear what the benefits are. 

“The last time a visit like this took place we were told that there was going to be £3 billion of investment and thousands of jobs with more details to follow.

“That was more than 6 months ago and no further news has ever been released.

“Newcastle councillors, MPs, and the PM should take Saudi promises with a pinch of salt.

“Newcastle United Chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan  is also Chairman of Saudi ARAMCO, the state petroleum company which is one of the world’s worst polluters, so we should be skeptical about talk of ‘clean energy’.

(Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth) “Furthermore, the Saudi regime were the chief wreckers of any agreement on progress towards preventing climate change at the recent COP29.

“NUFCFAS will continue to call on elected representatives to do what they committed to do pre-Saudi state takeover of NUFC, which is to keep talking about human rights and these vague promises of investment should not buy their silence.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness praised the trip to the Gulf with the Prime Minister as an opportunity the region “has never had before”.

She said: “The North East has never before had an opportunity like this to stand tall on the world stage.

“As the first North East Mayor I am determined we step forward to take these opportunities, working alongside the Prime Minister to bring home new investment. 

“We are discussing ways to build on the Saudi investment there has already been in the North East, to create new jobs for local people and begin vital research into clean energy to be led by Newcastle University in our region.”

(Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth) The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “Promoting economic growth is the Prime Minister’s number one priority, he has been very clear about that.

“You saw the Prime Minister’s plan for change last week, you can see the Government’s clear priorities for the British people as part of that.

“But no aspect of the relationships that we’re building internationally … stops us from raising issues around human rights and protecting our protecting our values globally.”

A Newcastle University spokesperson said on behalf of university partners: “By working together to strengthen our international partnerships, our universities are providing the foundation for a research and innovation ecosystem that will put the UK at the forefront of the green energy agenda.

“Through our strategic research and education strengths, our universities are well placed to further contribute to, and benefit from, future opportunities to work together with the KSA to help transform society and our economies.

“We constantly review and revise policy guidance around research collaborations including with other nations. Universities are in regular contact with the Department for Business and Trade, British Council, and organisations such as RCAT to ensure the latest guidance is shared and implemented.”

Other aspects of the PMs visit to Saudi include Historic England finalising a new partnership with the Saudi Heritage Commission. A deal has been agreed which will see the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) collaborate with the Royal Commission for AlUla to help boost tourism.

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The advanced material is considered environmentally sustainable, and will be used in Saudi Arabia’s Neom project, which is aiming to build a huge urban area.

Some £250 million of investment into a research and innovation hub in Greater Manchester and more than 1,000 skilled jobs could be created as a result of the deal.