Jamal Khashoggi: UK government considers 'next steps' as Saudi Arabia admits dissident journalist died in Istanbul consulate

Michael Stephens, senior research fellow at defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute, said actions taken so far by Saudi Arabia were unlikely to prevent the West imposing penalties against it. “Many will find the Saudi reaction unsatisfactory, and it is highly unlikely that Western states will see this explanation as sufficient,” he said. “Although two well-known officials have been fired, and the crown prince given a new remit to reform the kingdom’s intelligence services, the move is unlikely to prevent Western nations from pursuing some form of punitive action. “Tensions will remain high between the kingdom and its traditional partners for some time to come.”