People are upset that Qatar will host the World Cup because of its treatment of women, LGBTQ+ people, and migrant workers. People have asked about the attendance of officials, teams, and fans. But the UK’s relationship with Qatar goes far beyond this tournament and affects most of us somehow.
Some people might wonder if it’s right to have close ties with a government whose values seem to be at odds with those of the UK.
Gas is at the heart of this relationship. Qatar is a small country about the size of Yorkshire. It has one of the world’s largest natural reserves, and the UK is one of its most important customers.
About half of the UK’s gas comes from other countries, and about half of that comes from Norway through a pipeline. But Qatar is second on that list. About 9% of the energy that the UK imports come from Qatar. In theory, that’s the amount needed to power the boilers of about a million British homes. So, Qatar has become an essential part of the British energy mix in less than 20 years.
Qatar used its growing wealth from gas to become a part of the UK’s business world and build relationships with the top people in the British establishment.
The Emir, the country’s ruler, was one of the few Gulf leaders to go to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. In 2015, a former Qatari political leader gave more than £2 million to the current King’s charity foundation.
The UK And Qatar Have Stronger Ties
The air forces of both countries have joined together to make two squadrons, one flying over World Cup venues.
And as part of a $5 billion deal with BAE systems, Qatar took ownership of 24 fighter jets made in Lancashire in September.
The Qatari government has been investing money in the UK to get it back. It’s not one of the most prominent investors, but it picks its holdings carefully to get the most attention and power. It is one of the 12 largest owners of property in Britain.
The Canary Wharf Group, which owns landmarks like 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the “Walkie Talkie,” and the Shell Centre redevelopment on London’s South Bank, is at the center of its property empire.
The Qatari government owns the 5-star hotel Claridge’s and the high-end department store Harrods.
Qatar owns many shares in some of the biggest brands in the UK. You can bank with Barclays, shop at Sainsbury’s, or get benefits from Heathrow Airport and Qatar. For example, your bill helps the company make money when you use Severn Trent water.
In total, Qatar’s state investment arm has put about £40 billion into areas affecting millions of Britons’ lives. These investments are meant to ensure that this small country’s influence on British soil is much more substantial than it would be if it were much bigger……Read More
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Source: California Gazette
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