Andy Burnham under fire as new Abu Dhabi files revealed: 'Come clean!'

Andy Burnham under fire as new Abu Dhabi files revealed: 'Come clean!' Andy Burnham faces questions over a broadband deal that could benefit the UAE. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Rebecca Robinson 07:00, Fri, Nov 6, 2026 Inside Andy Burnham's ties Man City and the UAE | Expresso Andy Burnham has been urged to "come clean" over a "huge plot" to help the United Arab Emirates (UAE) benefit from a major broadband deal.

While Mayor of Manchester, Mr Burnham's office backed a merger between British firm Substantial and CityFibre, which is part-owned by an Emirati sovereign wealth fund whose chief executive, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, is also the chairman of Manchester City. In 2021/22, the UAE invested £800 million in CityFibre, and is expected to inject it with another £900 million in funding. Questions are now swirling about whether the Prime Minister was personally involved in the decision to lobby the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on behalf of CityFibre.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT On the latest episode of the Daily Express' podcast, the Daily Expresso , host JJ Anisiobi called on the Prime Minister to answer the questions and "come clean" to the British public. He said: "Burnham, you've gotta come clean. "You've gotta come clean and answer the questions, because it seems like there has been a huge plot from Andy Burnham to help the United Arab Emirates land a massive broadband deal here in the UK, but also several other deals across Manchester."

He added: "The people who get awarded those contracts are gonna make billions and billions more back. So instead of that going to British businesses, British companies, British firms, they're giving it, seemingly, to the Arabs... Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Nigel Farage makes major Reform UK announcement in speech Nigel Farage’s tough new defence chief issues shocking six-word warning to Vladimir Putin Andy Burnham has come under fire. (Image: Getty) "So British companies are losing out because contracts are going across.

It cuts out competition. It's terrible." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Shadow sports minister Louie French also urged Mr Burnham to "come clean" and questioned the extent of his involvement in lobbying the CMA. She said: "These revelations raise fresh concerns about Mr Burnham’s cosy relationship with Manchester City ’s owners. He must come clean: What is his explanation for this lobbying?" Mr Anisiobi echoed these concerns on the podcast, stating: "We need to know if the Prime Minister was personally involved in this lobbying.

We need to know that. Who was involved in the decision to lobby the CMA on behalf of CityFibre?" Downing Street declined to comment. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.

This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Mr Burnham had a formal meeting with Mr Al Mubarak at an investment summit, chatted to him in the stands at a star player’s testimonial game and was accompanied by staff from the club on official overseas visits. Details of the Prime Minister’s contacts with the scandal-hit club and its Abu Dhabi owners during his time as Greater Manchester mayor were released by the combined authority.

Mr Burnham told MPs that “all of my dealings” with Manchester City’s owners would be published. See more of the stories you love from Daily Express and find us easily in Google by making us a Preferred Source. Free and easy-to-do, just click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. Andy Burnham Broadband Manchester City FC Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments