The First Minister's Trip to Qatar

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:12 pm on 13 December 2022.

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Photo of Joel James Joel James Conservative 2:12, 13 December 2022

Thank you, First Minister. The world cup has undoubtedly brought benefits through increasing the profile of Welsh football on the international stage, and I think we can all congratulate the Welsh team on their performance and look forward to one day seeing them—hopefully—in the world cup final. Despite our success, and I'm sure you will agree, it is with sadness that the competition took place in a country that has an appalling human rights record, particularly concerning the treatment of migrant workers and laws on homosexuality. You have received criticism for attending the world cup, and I do not wish to address that now, but I do fear that, if there is no follow-up action, then the opportunity will be forever lost to show how protecting workers' rights and having an inclusive culture can actually help improve everyone's life. I was delighted to hear that you have had those conversations already, but, with this in mind, and given what you have experienced—the conversations you've had and the contacts you have made in Qatar—what follow-up action are you now going to take with Qatari officials to promote the values and rights that we believe and hold dear in Wales? Thank you.