Politicians from the Labour Party have received privileges and gifts amounting to nearly £300,000 from the United Arab Emirates, while companies linked to Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour have benefitted from state loans totalling £55.7 million.
This information has been reported by The Sun, based on the financial interests register and documents from Greater Manchester local authorities.
The investigation has reignited scrutiny over the relationships between British politicians and the UAE, especially regarding decisions made when Andy Burnham held the position of Mayor of Manchester.
Gifts and match tickets for politicians
According to the report, Labour MPs declared benefits from the UAE totalling £273,396, which included match tickets, VIP hospitality, and overseas trips.
Among those mentioned are Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell and other MPs connected to Manchester. Powell, representing the Manchester Central constituency, reportedly received free tickets to five matches worth £2,360 in total, including a VIP ticket for the Manchester City vs Newcastle match valued at £849.
Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer also accepted a ticket priced at £900 for the Arsenal vs Manchester City match in March 2024.
Furthermore, the investigation reveals that since 2012, state bodies and UAE-linked organisations have spent over £467,000 on gifts, trips, and other benefits for politicians from various parties in the UK.
Loans to companies associated with the City owner
Concerns have been raised over the £55.7 million loaned to three companies connected with Sheikh Mansour's investment structure, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG).
The publication indicates that in 2017, Burnham chaired two meetings that approved funding from the Greater Manchester Housing Investment Loan Fund, aimed at supporting housing projects struggling to secure financing under normal market conditions.
The companies that received the funds—New Little Mill Developments Ltd, Vesta Street Developments Ltd, and Lampwick Developments Ltd—had ADUG as their ultimate beneficiary.
The funding was earmarked for housing construction in Manchester. Critics question the necessity of providing public loans to organisations linked to one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
Opposition representatives are demanding clarity on why these projects were granted money from a fund designed to support developments that might not otherwise occur.
What project representatives are saying
A representative for Manchester Life, a joint venture between Manchester City Council and ADUG, clarified that the £55.7 million represented external debt financing for three projects rather than private investments in the partnership. They claimed that presenting these funds as investments in Manchester Life significantly misrepresents their function.
The report also notes that ADUG repaid the loans with interest, although the exact interest rate has not been disclosed.
The context surrounding Manchester City
This story has taken on more significance following Burnham's statements supporting the contributions of Manchester City's owners to the city's development. Amidst the ongoing financial disputes surrounding the club, political opponents have called for explanations regarding his position and decisions made during his mayoralty.
Meanwhile, Manchester City denies any wrongdoing and is appealing against the verdict issued in their case. However, the financial ties, receipt of loans, and declared gifts do not in themselves prove corruption or misconduct on the part of the mentioned politicians.
