Brexit: Ministers warned against trade deal with Gulf states over ‘appalling’ human rights record

Trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan kicking off talks in Saudi Arabia

International trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan (PA)

Boris Johnson’s government has been warned against a post-Brexit free trade deal with a group Gulf states over the “appalling” record on human rights.

Union chiefs and campaigners urged ministers to rethink its approach as talks on a deal between the UK and six Gulf nations kick off on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.

International trade secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will meet representatives of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) in Riyadh to begin negotiations with the bloc.