British MPs criticise policies on Saudi human rights

British members of parliament belonging to the all-party Human Rights Group have criticised government policy towards Saudi Arabia, for putting trade interests before the protection of British citizens.

In a report, the group says allegations were not unusual of beatings, sexual assault and other ill-treatment against various Europeans, Asians and Saudis, accused of wrongdoing by the authorities in Saudi Arabia.

The head of the group, Ann Clwyd, who has been a consistent critic of Saudi Arabia, accused her government of remaining silent in the face of the allegations, and said British companies may even have sold the Saudis the instruments used for torture.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service