Breckland Council, which covers Thetford, accused of hypocrisy after £11.5m investments found in Qatari and UAE banks

A council has been accused of hypocrisy after it emerged it had £11.5m of investments in banks linked with countries with poor human rights records and associations with terror group Hamas.

Breckland Council, which covers 12 electoral divisions including Thetford, has £4m deposits in Qatar National Bank, a country that is considered to be a key financial backer and ally of the Palestinian terrorist organisation.

The authority has also invested £7.5m in First Abu Dhabi Bank – the largest bank in the United Arab Emirates and a country that has been criticised for its poor human rights records and treatment of its LGBTQ+ citizens.

Roger Atterwill, leader of the council’s Independent and Green Party group, said: “It doesn’t sit well with me and I am concerned about these investments.

“This council very publicly celebrates Pride month each year and encourages the public to celebrate the diversity of our community and support LGTQ rights.

“With this in mind, I find it difficult to reconcile this good work when we are investing money in countries which have appalling human rights records.

“In addition, it has been widely reported that Qatar is home to the leadership of Hamas, which is responsible for the terrorist attacks on Israel in October.

“I am concerned about the somewhat hypocritical message these investments send out to our LGBTQ staff, members and the wider public.

“If you are going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.”

QUESTIONABLE INVESTMENTS

Qatar’s deep relationship with Hamas has come under the spotlight following the attacks on Israel last month.

The nation has long served as a diplomatic broker for the region but its role has come under scrutiny as a result of the conflict.

It has been a major financial backer of Gaza’s economy since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007.

Its capital Doha has provided a home for many of the group’s exiled political figures, including its leader, Ismail Haniyeh.

Both Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are among the most restrictive societies in the world and they frequently come under fire for human rights abuses.

In the UAE for example, same-sex relationships are a criminal offence and people found breaking its laws could face lengthy jail terms.

In the run-up to the World Cup last year, Qatar was criticised for its treatment of migrant workers.

It is thought that as many as 6,500 workers might have died since the country won the right to host the sporting event, with 37 deaths linked directly to stadium construction sites.

Breckland Council is not alone in having ethically questionable investments.

Last year it was revealed that more than £1bn has been deposited into Qatari bank accounts by UK councils.

MORE SECURE THAN THE UK?

Philip Cowen, executive member for finance, revenue & benefits, has said the investments follow Breckland Council’s approved treasury management policy.

It is thought these banks are more secure than UK banks, according to advice from the council’s investment advisors.

Following the revelations, Mr Atterwil has called for the authority to consider adopting an ‘ethical investment policy’, which it currently does not have.

The matter is to be further discussed at the next governance and audit committee meeting.