Facts

Truss was answering a question by Chris Bryant MP on whether she holds those in the Gulf states who violate human rights to account. She has since been unable to back up her claim with a single instance when she “personally” raised human rights issues with Gulf leaders. On 20 September 2022 Chris Bryant MP wrote this letter to Truss.

Officials said No 10 would respond to Bryant’s letter “in due course”. A government spokesperson said: “UK ministers and officials regularly raise sensitive human rights issues with their Gulf counterparts, both in public and private.”

Verdict

What Liz Truss said may have been true, but she has provided no evidence to support her claim. Given her record of making false or fabricated statements, as recorded in this website, the prime minister’s  claim to have raised human rights issues on visits to the Gulf should be regarded with scepticism.

We emailed Liz Truss’ office offering her the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.