Farron expresses concern for BBC journalists

Leadership contender and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tim Farron MP, has given his full support to BBC journalist Mark Lobel and his colleagues who have been arrested in Qatar.

Mr Farron said "While legitimately reporting on the terrible living conditions of low-paid migrant workers in Qatar, BBC reporter Mark Lobel was followed, arrested and detained by Doha security services as if his team were spies".

The BBC had been gathering additional material for a report after it was invited to Qatar by the prime minister's office.

"I am very concerned about this incident and it is far from the first time that real concern has been expressed about the plight of migrant workers in Qatar, building developments for the World Cup; many of whom have lost their lives" said Mr Farron.