No 10 said it would confirm the prime minister’s engagements in the usual way, with nothing yet in the diary. Saudi Arabia’s government was condemned by the West for killing Mr Khashoggi.

It involved “appalling brutality” and 20 Saudi nationals involved in the killing were sanctioned later.

Despite denying any involvement, US intelligence agencies concluded that the prince must have authorized the killing. A Downing Street spokesperson said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke to the crown prince earlier, and the leaders discussed their commitment to developing trade and investment relations between the two countries, as well as strengthening defence and security cooperation.

Saudi Arabian officials began making plans for a visit at least a month ago, according to the BBC.

Whether the prince has formally accepted the invitation is unclear, but it is known that he is interested in visiting.

The first half of October is currently being considered as a date.

According to the Liberal Democrats, the invitation sent a message that the crown prince could continue acting with impunity and we would do nothing.

“It is hard to believe that Rishi Sunak is extending the carpet to Mohammed bin Salman,” said party spokeswoman Layla Moran.

The UK government should not welcome a man who ordered the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi and presides over a dismal human rights record.”

Amnesty International’s Polly Truscott said: “The UK must not roll out the red carpet for Mohammed bin Salman or allow the Saudi ruler to use his visit to rehabilitate himself on the international stage.”

According to Labour, the UK must also have a dialogue with Saudi Arabia.

Angela Rayner, the party’s deputy leader, believes that the prime minister should discuss human rights with him during that visit.

In her words, “Part of our role internationally is to challenge other nations… and to try and influence in that way. If you don’t, you have no influence.”