Qatar lavished British MPs with gifts ahead of World Cup

MPs who received gifts later appeared to speak favourably about Qatar in parliamentary debates

Qatar has spent more money on gifts and trips for British MPs in the past year than any other country, according to Observer analysis that reveals the Gulf state's lobbying efforts ahead of next month's football World Cup.

The Qatari government made gifts to members of parliament worth 251,208 in the 12 months to October 2022, including luxury hotel stays, business-class flights and tickets to horse-racing events.