Anti-gay rights Tory and fellow minister enjoyed freebies at Qatar World Cup

15 April 2023 , 20:49

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David Davies (centre) and Stuart Andrew (right) wearing a One Love armband at last year's World Cup in Doha (Image: Getty Images)

Tory ministers enjoyed World Cup freebies at a five-star hotel from Qatar’s controversial regime.

Welsh Secretary David Davies and Sports Minister Stuart Andrew accepted match tickets, food and board at Doha’s Ritz-Carlton, where suites cost up to £7,698 a night. Both were in the Gulf for three nights to watch England’s 3-0 win over Wales on November 29.

That day, a tweet from our ambassador to Qatar, Jon Wilks, told how they sampled a star chef’s “delicious creations”.

Qatar has been under fire over its treatment of LGBT people and migrant workers.

In 2018 Mr Davies was accused by his party’s LGBT group of holding “abhorrent” views. In 2012, he said he thought most parents would prefer their kids not to be gay and branded same-sex marriage plans politically “barking mad”.

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Mr Davies and Mr Andrew stayed for free at The Ritz-Carlton in Doha (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The Welsh Office paid for Mr Davies’ flights, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for Mr Andrew’s.

A spokesman said: “Both carried out a busy programme of events… to discuss the equal treatment for fans and opportunities for investment in the UK.”

Simon Murphy