Downing Street said the visit of Mohammed bin Salman would “usher in a new era” of UK-Saudi relations Bandar al-Jaloud/AFP/Getty ImagesBritain should welcome the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince next week despite concerns over the regime’s human rights record and the war in Yemen, Boris Johnson has said in an attempt to head off expected protests. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, appointed heir last year, will visit for two days from Wednesday. Downing Street said yesterday that the visit would “usher in a new era” in Britain’s relationship with Saudi Arabia but it comes amid increased concerns over the regime’s human rights record and the deaths of thousands of civilians at the hands of its military in Yemen. The prince is expected to be confronted by protests but the government is anxious that the visit reflect what it sees as a new appetite for…

Source: The Times February 28, 2018 00:04 UTC