Rishi Sunak does not have plans to travel to the World Cup in Qatar, Downing Street has said, though MPs are free to do so if they choose.
The tournament has been mired in controversy due to the host nation’s track record on treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ rights. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, and officials have demanded visitors “respect” local customs and avoid public displays of affection.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson told PA news agency there were “no plans for the PM to attend, but we confirm travel nearer the time”. They added that they were not aware of any ban on MPs attending.
i contacted Downing Street for further comment on the matter.
In an interview with Sky News on Sunday, Qatar’s minister of foreign affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, accused critics of being “arrogant” and spreading “misinformation” about the country.
He claimed that everyone would be free to attend, but reiterated demands for visitors to “respect our laws”. Asked what would happen if two men kiss or hold hands in the street, he said: “The law actually doesn’t allow a public display of affection, whether it’s a man or a man or a man and a woman. That’s our law.”
He told the male interviewer: “Holding hands is not a public display of affection as far as I know… I can invite you for a walk and I will hold your hand there, you will not be arrested.”
With the start date of 20 November drawing closer, the number of influential figures, organisations and fans choosing not to attend the tournament is rising.
Prince William, president of the Football Association, does not plan to attend, though his spokespeople have said he may consider going to the final if England reaches that stage.
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Labour’s shadow culture secretary Lucy Powell has also announced the party would not be sending a delegation to Qatar.
However, Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford will go in the group stages with two members of his cabinet, saying it was an opportunity for diplomacy.
Players have also found ways to speak out. The Australian national team, the Socceroos, were among the first players to release a public statement condemning the country’s same-sex laws.
Australian Captain Mat Ryan, a former Arsenal and Brighton goalkeeper, said in the video that a set of “universal values” defined football: “Values such as respect, dignity, trust and courage. When we represent our nation, we aspire to embody these values.”
England and Wales team members will wear “One Love” armbands at the event, and Denmark will wear toned-down shirts in solidarity with migrant workers who died during construction work for the tournament.
Fifa has also been criticised for a letter it recently released telling footballers not to be “dragged” into political or ideological battles and to “focus on football”.
Some European cities will not show tournament games in protest. In France, for example, Paris, Lille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Marseille will not air the games in public places or set up fan zones.
Strasbourg mayor Jeanne Barseghian told newspaper 20 Minutes that the city, as the seat of the European Court of Human Rights, “could not turn a blind eye to human rights being flouted at the event”.
There is mounting pressure on celebrities involved in the event. David Beckham has been heavily criticised for accepting a £10 million deal to be an ambassador for Qatar, and campaigners are starting to ask Robbie Williams, due to perform at a Doha gig, to pull out.
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville was forced to deny being a “hypocrite” on Have I Got News For You on Friday after signing a deal to commentate for a Qatari state-run broadcaster.
Additional reporting from the Press Association.
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