Labor boycott Qatar World Cup in protest against human rights record state

Labor is boycotting the upcoming World Cup football tournament in Qatar in protest against the deaths of thousands of migrant workers and the criminalization of homosexuality, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Shadow Sports Secretary Lucy Powell has shared how she turned down an invitation to the tournament, which starts next month.

Leader Sir Keir Starmer has also promised to watch the tournament ‘on the couch’ at home when it starts on November 20.

Ms Powell recently received an invitation from the Qatari government, but says she has declined due to the country’s human rights record.

Shadow Sports Secretary Lucy Powell has shared how she turned down an invitation to participate in the tournament, which starts next month

She told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Of course I’m looking forward to the World Cup and will be cheering on England.

“But we cannot take our eyes off the problems in Qatar.

Dozens of construction workers have died organizing this tournament, and LGBT fans from England and Wales must accept that the tournament is being played in a country where their sexuality is illegal.

“I’m excited to be cheering on the England team from my sitting room and from my local pub.”

Starmer has reportedly told MPs that he will not publicly call for a political boycott of the final, believing it to be a government decision, but has confirmed that the party will not send anyone.

With just weeks before the start of the tournament, the debate over the decision to host the prestigious event in Qatar continues.

The Mail on Sunday revealed how David Beckham has been the center of widespread criticism after accepting a £10m deal to become an ambassador for the tournament.

With just weeks before the start of the tournament, the debate over the decision to host the prestigious event in Qatar rages on

Construction workers pictured at Khalifa International Stadium as stadium construction progresses rapidly for the event

The country has faced huge controversy over its human rights record, especially its attitude towards women and homosexuals.

Qatar has also been heavily scrutinized by human rights groups over its treatment of migrant workers.

Rights groups have also stressed that homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, with Amnesty International saying that women and LGBTQ+ people “continue to be discriminated against in law and in practice.”

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker said last week he wanted to see a Premier League player come out as gay at the World Cup in Qatar to send a strong signal to a host country where homosexuality remains a crime.

England captain Harry Kane and his Welsh counterpart Gareth Bale have both vowed to wear ‘One Love’ bracelets during matches in order to make an anti-discrimination statement.