Written question asked by Ian Mearns (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 December 2020. It was answered by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 December 2020 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Saudi Arabia: Newcastle United FC

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether (a) he and (b) representatives of his Department (i) held meetings and (ii) exchanged correspondence with representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2020 on the proposed takeover of Newcastle United football club by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Answer: The Foreign Secretary did not discuss the bid, nor exchange correspondence, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on this issue. The proposed takeover was discussed in meetings between FCDO officials and representatives of the Saudi Arabian Government. I have also discussed the issue with representatives of the Saudi Arabian Government. FCDO officials were clear, in their communication with the English Premier League, that any prospective takeover of Newcastle United Football Club was a matter for the two parties concerned.

Secondary information