Theresa May Visits Middle East Amid Calls To Suspend Arms Sales

Theresa May has embarked on a visit to the Middle East hoping to bolster links with the region as Britain prepares to leave the EU.

During a three-day tour, the Prime Minister will hold talks in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, two countries she visited in April.

In Saudi Arabia the PM will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday, where they are expected to discuss Yemen and the dispute with Qatar.

Saudi Arabia is the UK's largest trading partner in the Middle East.

Since the bombing of Yemen began in March 2015, more than £3.3 billion worth of UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia have been licensed.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: "This visit demonstrates that as the UK leaves the EU we are determined to forge a bold, confident future for ourselves in the world.

"We must look at the challenges that we and future generations will face and build stronger partnerships with countries that will be vital to our security.

"Jordan's continued security, stability and economic sustainability are central to a peaceful future in the Middle East and are clearly in our mutual national interests.

"It is clearly in the UK's security interests to support Jordan and Saudi Arabia in tackling regional challenges to create a more stable region, and in delivering their ambitious reform programmes to ensure their own stability."

Mrs May has faced repeated calls to suspend arms sales following claims of breaches of international law in Yemen under the Saudi-led coalition bombing campaign.

Saudi Arabia backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, and faces intense condemnation over its military action.

With thousands killed in the conflict, it is understood that Mrs May will raise concerns over the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the threat of famine.

She is also expected to stress the importance of humanitarian and commercial access to the country, including through the ports of Hodeida and Salif, after a sea and air blockade was mounted by the Saudi-led coalition earlier this month.

She will also set out Britain's continued support for Saudi Arabia's social reform programme - something Mrs May announced she was backing during her last visit.

As part of the reforms, over the next 13 years the deeply conservative nation wants to reduce its reliance on oil exports, increase the number of women in work and boost access to culture.

Arriving in the region late on Tuesday, Mrs May will look to strengthen partnerships and co-operation between the UK and the two nations.

Iran may also feature in discussions, and it is expected Mrs May will highlight her concerns about the country's destabilising regional activity, whilst maintaining a position in support of the Gulf states.

On Thursday Mrs May will hold talks with Jordan's King Abdullah and Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki on how Britain can support their long-term economic resilience.

Mrs May will see the impact UK support can have on creating jobs and opportunities in the region by meeting members of the Arab Women's Enterprise Fund.

During her last visit she announced that military trainers would be sent to Jordan, which borders Syria, to help the nation's air force eliminate Islamic State.

So far four major training exercises have taken place in Jordan, with more than 3,000 UK service personnel involved.

Rounding off her tour Mrs May will deliver a speech on the subject of supporting Jordanian economic reform to parliamentarians, business leaders and the media.