Labour minister’s Dubai trip and £7.5k flights to meet Man City owner’s firm

UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds held talks with Mubadala Investment Company, run by Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, during the Premier League's financial breach hearing involving the club. Department records show Reynolds took a taxpayer-funded trip to Dubai on November 1, 2024, with flights costing £7,596, and held subsequent meetings in Davos and Downing Street.

A Department of Business spokesman stated the discussions were strictly arranged to promote investment, jobs, and trade ties with the Gulf. The revelations come alongside scrutiny over meetings between Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Manchester City's leadership, following the club being found guilty of over 100 financial rule charges.