TORY Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond kowtowed to one of the world’s most brutal dictatorships yesterday by visiting Saudi Arabia.

Mr Hammond travelled to the country just days after its ambassador to Britain warned of an “alarming change” in the relationship between the oil-rich kingdom and Britain.

Following a political outcry, the Conservative government had pulled out of a contract to help train Saudi Arabia’s prison staff.

The deal’s cancellation prompted the Saudi family dictatorship to issue a warning via its embassy in Britain of “potentially serious repercussions” and to complain of a lack of “mutual respect.”

Saudi ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz blamed Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn for talking Prime Minister David Cameron out of the prison training contract.

Human rights group Reprieve caseworker Kate Higham said Mr Hammond should use his visit to Saudi Arabia press for an end to abuses.

The group pointed out that the Foreign Secretary’s visit comes amid concerns for the fate of juveniles Ali al-Nimr and Dawoud al-Marhoon, who are reported to be awaiting execution while being held in solitary confinement in a Saudi jail.

However, Mr Hammond did confirm the release of British citizen Karl Andree, who was sentenced to 350 lashes after being caught with home-made wine.