INTERNATIONAL: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday ,March 16, as part of efforts to secure additional oil flows and increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine.

With Britain, like much of the West, facing spiraling energy prices, Johnson is keen to encourage producers to increase output and secure other supplies to try to help consumers and reduce reliance on Russian exports.

The prime minister will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed in the United Arab Emirates before travelling to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Johnson's spokesman has said the British leader will raise human rights issues in Saudi Arabia, including the execution of 81 men, but critics say London should not be turning to a country that has held its biggest mass execution in decades.