Sir Keir Starmer is pushing for new investment into cities and regions across the UK during a visit to the Middle East this week.
On Monday, he and Mayor Kim McGuinness are in Saudi Arabia for talks on green energy projects and opportunities for the North East.
Downing Street said that the region would “reap the immediate benefits from the closer cooperation, building on the close ties between Newcastle and Saudi Arabia”, following the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover of Newcastle United in 2021.
Human rights campaigners have urged the Prime Minister to raise concerns over the country’s human rights record during talks with Saudi officials, with the nation having reportedly executed 300 people in 2024 – its highest-ever toll in one year.
Leaders in Newcastle have also come under pressure over efforts to build links and attract more investment from Saudi Arabia since the change of ownership at St James’ Park, with city council leader Karen Kilgour having recently pledged to meet with human rights activists who have accused the Gulf state of ‘sportswashing’ its reputation.
On Monday, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish a new Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen, which No 10 said was backed by a consortium of Saudi and British universities and would include a “leading role” for Newcastle University.
The Government added that the clean energy research project would “cement the North East’s reputation as an academic engineering powerhouse”.
Ms McGuinness said: “The North East has never before had an opportunity like this to stand tall on the world stage. As the first North East Mayor I am determined we step forward to take these opportunities, working alongside the Prime Minister to bring home new investment.
“We are discussing ways to build on the Saudi investment there has already been in the North East, to create new jobs for local people and begin vital research into clean energy to be led by Newcastle University in our region.”
The trip to the Middle East comes after Sir Keir and Ms McGuinness were together in County Durham on Friday to welcome a £500 million deal which will help safeguard the future of the Hitachi Rail factory in Newton Aycliffe.
The Prime Minister added: “Every region and nation in the United Kingdom should feel the impact of our Plan for Change, which is why I am in the Gulf forging closer ties and strengthening relationships that support our growth mission in every corner of the country.
“I am determined to ensure international diplomacy drives local results, whether that is discussing how we can support regeneration in the UK or supporting business deals that create jobs – my international agenda starts at home.”
Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside, Durham and Cranfield universities will work with counterparts and research institutes in Saudi Arabia through the clean energy partnership, with a delegation from the UK universities expected to travel to the Gulf in the coming months.
A spokesperson for Newcastle University said: “This renewed government focus on sustainable energy aligns with our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The opportunity to partner with Saudi universities builds on the success of their investment in Newcastle United, and our existing relationship with Princess Nourah University, which is based on the development of women in sport.”
Polly Truscott, of Amnesty International UK, called on Sir Keir to use his talks in Saudi Arabia to “challenge the authorities’ draconian repression of human rights defenders, rampant use of the death penalty and institutionalised discrimination against women”.
She added: “For too long these business trips have treated human rights as an optional extra, usually meriting only a terse comment to the media that ‘human rights were raised’.
“We need to see UK business visits completely overhauled, with human rights experts made part of trade delegations and proper impact assessments conducted into prospective agreements to ensure they don’t further undermine human rights.”
