UK minister speaks to Qatar about ‘unacceptable’ airport strip-searches

James Cleverly expresses concern to Doha’s deputy foreign minister about the treatment of female passengers

The UK Minister for Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly spoke to Qatar's deputy foreign minister to voice concern after travellers were subjected to "offensive and grossly inappropriate" strip searches by Qatari authorities.

Two British women were among those searched at Hamad International Airport in Doha on October 2, and London said on Friday the ordeal was unacceptable and that an incident of this nature “cannot happen again”.

Mr Cleverly echoed these sentiments in a phone call with Sultan Bin Saad Al Muraikhi on Saturday, and welcomed Qatar’s announcement that those responsible have been referred to the public prosecutor’s office.

After the call, a representative of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We welcome the government of Qatar’s acknowledgement that the treatment of female passengers, including British women, at Doha airport was completely unacceptable.

“The preliminary investigation has shown that illegal actions took place, and it is an important step that those responsible have been referred to the public prosecutor’s office. We will remain in contact with the authorities in Qatar as they complete their investigation and await the final report.

“We welcome the apology issued by the State of Qatar to those affected, and confirmation that steps are being taken to ensure an incident such as this does not happen again.

“This is an important assurance for those travelling into or through Hamad International Airport.

“This was a deeply distressing incident for the women involved, and it is important we continue to respect their privacy.

“We will continue to do all we can to support them.”