CUMBRIA County Council has deposited millions of pounds of taxpayers' money in Qatari state bank accounts, it's been revealed, amid ongoing criticism of the World Cup host nation’s human rights standards.

Cumbria County Council has, since 2017, invested over £20million into Qatar National Bank (QNB) accounts, in a country with a widely-criticised social policy.

The investments take the form of funds deposited with QNB, which is half-owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, the $450billion sovereign wealth fund of the country.

This is according to a Guardian investigation citing several Freedom of Information Act requests.

Human rights in Qatar have come under closer scrutiny since the tiny state was awarded the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Concerns include forced labour and the serious exploitation and abuse of workers, and limits on freedom of expression/religion.

There are also concerns about women’s rights, such as the fact that Qatari women convicted for sex outside marriage may be imprisoned for up to seven years.

Male homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and is punished with up to three years in prison and a fine, as well as the possibility of a death penalty for Muslims under sharia law.

An October 2022 report from Human Rights Watch alleged systemic police brutality against LGBTQ+ people.

Meanwhile, Cumbria County Council has flown the rainbow flag in support of LGBTQ+ rights and has been a visible presence at Pride events, which are illegal in Qatar.

Cumbria County Council is not the only UK local authority with money invested in the rich nation; it is joined by 19 others that, since 2017, have invested over £1billion altogether in QNB accounts.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell called the investments 'shocking', and told the Guardian: "Through these deposits, local authorities are supporting a bank that funds the World Cup and sustains a regime that stands accused of human rights abuses against LGBT people, women and migrant workers.”

In response, a Cumbria County Council spokesperson said: “The council’s fixed term deposits with the Qatar National Bank were made in May 2016, February 2017 and May 2017.

“Since then the council has not made any further deposits with the bank. 

“The decision to place the deposits and the subsequent decision to cease placing deposits were taken in accordance with the council’s treasury management strategy which is agreed annually by councillors in accordance with the CIPFA Prudential Code.

“Local authorities are required by law to have regard to the Prudential Code when carrying out their duties in England and Wales under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

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