Former Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair has told UK critics to move on from protests over LGBT rights in Qatar, warning outsiders to not "disrespect" the country.
This comes as the Gulf nation faces criticism over its human rights record regarding migrant workers, women, and the LGBT community.
The oil-rich nation is hosting the most expensive FIFA World Cup in history, costing an estimated $220bn.
In an interview with Emily Maitlis on the News Agents podcast, Tony Blair, who served from 1997 to 2007, said: "It's not sensible of us to disrespect Qatar. This is their biggest event they’ve held.
"It’s a huge event for the country. They are allies of us, they invest huge amounts of money in this country.
"One of the things I can see now is a kind of social revolution going on across the Middle East and I think it will in the end change the role of women and things like gay rights.
READ MORE: How much will FIFA earn from the World Cup in Qatar?
READ MORE: Qatar World Cup: FA explains why England didn't wear One Love armbands
"Make your point, but then having made your point you recognise for the country it’s a very important event.
"There is a process of change. Is it happening quick enough? No - you always want it to happen quicker, but there is this process of change happening across the Middle East."
He added: "It’s important now I think having made the point, we move on."
Tony Blair says 'we’re in danger of going over the top' with criticism of Qatar and thinks it is dipping into ‘gesture politics’.
— The News Agents (@TheNewsAgents) November 28, 2022
Coming to @GlobalPlayer@maitlis | @jonsopel pic.twitter.com/cZrId6MlPc
Recently, FIFA came under fire after the English and Welsh teams were warned by officials over the wearing of One Love armbands during matches.
This led to both teams abandoning their commitment to the symbol after they were told that they would be booked for the gesture.
Concern over Qatar's host status has only grown as there have been supposed instances of reporters being disrupted and LGBT symbols being confiscated from fans.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel