UK Government refusing to disclose details of sports discussion with Saudi stakeholders
The UK government held 3 meetings with officials to discuss “ UK-Saudi collaboration on sport” but kept no minutes. They are also refusing to release attendance list.
(Image: Lucy Frazer in Saudi Arabia, May 2024. Source: DCMS)
Last May 2024 and June 2024 former Conservative party minister Lucy Frazer held 4 meetings with Saudi Arabia “stakeholders”. On three occasions those discussion centred on areas where the UK and Saudi Arabia could collaborate on “sport, culture and tourism”.
In December, the Pitch Inspection asked the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for details about these meetings.
Remarkably, on all four occasions no meeting minutes were taken - including a meeting on the 14 May 2024 with Saudi Officials.
The department also refused to disclose the ministerial briefing packs and the attendance list for all four encounters.
The reasons given by ministers for refusing to disclose basic transparency data vary. Here’s a few examples;
“The result of disclosing this information would likely have a chilling effect on the relationship with Saudi Arabia which could likely hinder the department’s ability to progress actioned items discussed in these meetings which would not be in the public interest”.
“The department considers that the release of this information would be likely to prejudice relations with Saudi Arabia”.
“Disclosing the briefings and attendee lists for these meetings would prevent plans for engagements and collaborations with Saudi Arabia and their culture sectors.”
The Pitch Inspection will be appealing the decision made by the current Labour government to withhold release of the meeting details. Subscribe here to be kept in the loop:
The meetings:
A - A meeting on the 07/05/2024 with Tourism Industry Stakeholders to discuss "Visit to Saudi Arabia".
B - Lunch on 13/05/2024 with "women in Saudi * British culture, sport and tourism" to discuss "UK-Saudi collaboration on sport, culture and tourism".
C - A dinner on 13/05/2024 with "Saudi culture, sport and tourism sector stakeholders" to discuss "UK-Saudi collaboration on sport, culture and tourism".
D- A dinner on 14/05/2024 with "Saudi officials & British tourism stakeholders" to discuss "UK-Saudi collaboration on sport, culture and tourism".
The Pitch Inspection Freedom of Information request:
1 - For each of the meetings listed (A-D) above please can you confirm if you hold a copy of the attendance list, Meeting minutes and ministerial briefing pack?
2 - For each of the meetings listed (A-D) above please can you provide a copy of the attendance list, Meeting minutes and ministerial briefing pack?
You can read the full response here:
