Jeremy Hunt under pressure to raise Khashoggi murder during Saudi visit this week

Labour demands ministers present 'overdue' findings into death of prominent journalist

Jeremy Hunt is facing renewed pressure to raise the case of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi after it emerged he plans to travel to Saudi Arabia this week.

Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry demanded ministers present their official findings into the killing of the prominent Saudi critic by the six-month anniversary of his murder in April.

The foreign secretary is hoping to make progress on the case when he travels to Saudi Arabia this week, junior minister Mark Field told MPs.

The trip comes after Mr Hunt unsuccessfully appealed to the German government to start selling arms to the Kingdom again, after Berlin halted exports due to concerns over human rights.

Germany has joined EU countries including Denmark and Finland to act following evidence of war crimes being committed by Saudi coalition forces in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has faced an international outcry over the murder of Mr Khashoggi, who was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Ms Thornberry asked for details of "long overdue" progress on the investigation into his death during a Commons clash this week.

She said: "Could he ask his boss the foreign secretary to guarantee to the House that before we reach that sad milestone, he will present the government's findings on who ultimately is responsible for that murder and what actions the government is taking in response?"

Mr Field replied: "He will be going to Saudi this week and I hope there will be progress in relation to the very serious issues she brings up in the House."

Pressed again, he said "this issue clearly will be discussed" next week and he hoped for an update in the Commons following the meeting.

The murder of Mr Khashoggi was "planned and perpetrated" by Saudi officials, according to the UN special rapporteur investigating the killing.​

Agnes Callamard, who is writing a report to be presented to the Human Rights Council about the incident, said preliminary findings showed it was almost two weeks before Turkish authorities were allowed to enter the consulate.

“Evidence collected during my mission to Turkey shows prime facie case that Mr Khashoggi was the victim of a brutal and premeditated killing, planned and perpetrated by officials of the State of Saudi Arabia,” Ms Callamard said.

The Foreign Office has been contacted for further comment.