Written question asked by Ian Mearns (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 December 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Tuesday, 8 December 2020. A substantive answer was provided 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 English Premier League between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2020 on the proposed takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Answer: The Foreign Secretary did not discuss, nor exchange correspondence, with the English Premier League on this issue. FCDO officials exchanged correspondence and held meetings with the Premier League following a request by the latter. 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

Type: Written question
Reference: 124724
Session: 2019-21
Related items: Saudi Arabia: Newcastle United FC
Monday, 11 January 2021
Written questions
House of Commons; Saudi Arabia: Newcastle United FC
Monday, 11 January 2021
Written questions
House of Commons; Saudi Arabia: Newcastle United Football Club
Monday, 11 January 2021
Written questions
House of Commons; Saudi Arabia: Newcastle United FC
Monday, 11 January 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Takeovers Saudi Arabia Newcastle United FC
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk