Sir Tony Blair think tank continues to receive money from Saudi Arabia

Sir Tony Blair (left) and current Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer Photo: Stéphane Russo/PA

Sir Tony Blair Think Tank Like revealed to have continued to advise and receive money from Saudi Arabia after the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

The former prime minister's Institute for Global Change is still involved in modernization under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the kingdom of the Persian Gulf.< /p>

Mr. Khashoggi, a dissident journalist, was killed and dismembered by a Saudi government killing squad at the country's Turkish consulate in December 2018.

The Crown Prince was accused of personally ordering the assassination, but he vehemently denied the allegation, insisting that this is the work of fraudulent agents of Saudi Arabia.

Sir Tony's spokesman confirmed that the institute is still helping to develop Vision 2030, a scheme designed to boost tourism and rid the Saudi economy of its longtime dependence on oil.

«A terrible crime»

In a statement given by A spokesman for the Sunday Times said he considers Khashoggi's murder «a terrible crime that should not have happened.»

However, he added that he also believes that «the program of social and economic change being carried out in Saudi Arabia is of great and positive significance for the region and the world, that relations with Saudi Arabia are of crucial strategic importance for the West, and that therefore continued work there is justified.» .

“None of the senior employees or members of the board were against this decision. But, naturally, concerns were expressed, as might be expected.”

The Telegraph first reported in 2018 that the Sir Tony Institute was advising the Saudi government in a £9 million 'not-for-profit' arrangement. .

Punch with Biden.

It was reported last month that Rishi Sunak invited the Crown Prince to visit the UK this fall, which a spokesman for the Prime Minister declined to confirm or deny.

< p> The Crown Prince received President Joe Biden in Riyadh in July 2022 year, and instead of shaking hands, the two leaders exchanged «blows of fists». Mr. Biden was heavily criticized for the visit by human rights activists.

The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which was founded by Sir Tony in 2016, has grown to 750 staff members involved in projects spanning 40 different countries.< /p>