Qatar’s £40 billion investments in London pose threat to UK

CAIRO – 17 August 2017: Qatar has invested around £40 billion ($54.3 billion) across Britain, posing a great threat to the United Kingdom as these huge investments will allow Qatar to have a seat around the table when important issues are discussed, said the former Deputy Mayor of London Jeremy Roger Evans. Evans made these statements during an interview with the Egyptian broadcast presenter Lamis al-hadidy aftermath the Qatar global security and stability conference held in London on Friday.

The British government should be vigilant in its relationship with Qatar especially after the claims have been made about Qatar funding terrorist groups, added Evans.

The investments focus on energy, infrastructure, real estate and services, stated Evans referring that Qatar has started to invest in railway stations in London.

A Qatar-UK Business and Investment Forum was held on March 30, 2017 bringing together 400 British and Qatari business leaders and senior politicians to grow the trade and investment relationship between Qatar and UK.

Qatar also invests in iconic real estate such as London's Shard and Canary Wharf Buildings and the Harrod's department store that Qatar has in London.

Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani announced in the forum that Qatar will invest £5 billion ($6.23 billion) in Britain over the next three to five years in a boost for the post-Brexit economy.
"Qatar and UK are natural allies and I believe that private sector growth in both countries can enhance ties and promote foreign direct investment," said the British Trade Minister Liam Fox on the sidelines of the forum.

In addition, a plan was set to open an office in Silicon Valley to drive Qatar’s economy away from the oil and more into sustainable economy, Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Thani, chief executive officer of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), told the forum.