Ministers have been accused of using taxpayers cash to “support homophobia in the policing of the World Cup in Qatar".
Research by Lib Dem peer Lord Scriven revealed cash from the Foreign Office’s Gulf Strategy Fund was used to provide “UK expertise to support Qatar’s football policing capability".
And documents published last June show the programme “provides staffing support to undertake preparations for World Cup 2022.”
Lord Scriven said reports of suppression of LGBT rights had become “near daily” throughout the tournament.
On Monday, Danish journalist Jon Pagh was left shaken after being told by Qatari police to remove a OneLove armband while filming a World Cup segment in Doha.
In the Lords chamber today, Lord Scriven told Peers that Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had advised gay football fans to "show a bit of flex" when travelling to Qatar.
He said: "In plain terms, to the ordinary person, that means 'go back into the closet'.
"Why has that become the official policy of the UK government for British citizens travelling to the World Cup."
The Peer demanded the government confirm how much public money had been used to fund such initiatives in Qatar.
“Many UK taxpayers will be angry that the Conservative Government are spending their hard- earned cash to support homophobia in the policing of the World Cup in Qatar,” he told the Mirror.
“It goes without saying that the UK Government must never be involved in the suppression of the rights of migrant workers, women and LGBT people.
“The Conservative Government must immediately confirm how much taxpayer money has been contributed to these Qatari initiatives and what steps they are taking to ensure British taxpayers money never supports these kinds of human rights abuses.”
A government spokesperson said: “LGBT+ rights is an issue that the UK prioritises internationally. We continue to engage with governments around the world to promote human rights and champion UK values.
“Our priority is the safety of British nationals who will be travelling to the World Cup and UK police are working with Qatari counterparts to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. They will be offering support and advice on engaging with fans attending from the UK.”
