Brunei adverts removed from TfL network

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Adverts promoting Brunei as a tourist destination will be removed from the Transport for London (TfL) network following international condemnation of the country's strict new anti-LGBT+ laws.

The adverts promoted Brunei and its government-owned airline under the country's tourism slogan "an abode of peace".

Harsh new sharia laws came into effect in the tiny southeast Asian nation today, which include punishing gay sex with death by stoning.

“The advertisement was considered compliant with our advertising policy when it was submitted and accepted," said a TfL spokesperson.

"However, given recent information that has come to light, it is clear that this is an issue of great public sensitivity and controversy so the advert will be removed from our network.

"Any proposed future campaign would be reviewed against our advertising policy, and this information would be considered in any decision.”

It follows a letter from Labour London Assembly member Tom Copley to mayor Sadiq Khan, asking that TfL remove the adverts.

Questions could also be raised about the 2,000 British soldiers currently stationed in the Sultanate.

Brunei's harsh new laws have sparked an international outcry.

Celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres, George Clooney and Elton John have called for a boycott of the nine luxury hotels in the Dorchester Collection, which are owned by Brunei's sovereign wealth fund.

The hotels include The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London, Le Meurice in Paris and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

The Independent has contacted Royal Brunei Airlines and the Dorchester Collection for comment.