Submitting an Expression of Interest by the set date (9 January 2015) does NOT also stand as submitting a formal application, such applications follow a separate process and are due on February 9 2015.
Article 47 of Qatar's constitution guarantees freedom of expression and opinion "in accordance with the conditions and circumstances set forth in the law", and the country has pledged to respect the right of free expression as a party to the Arab Charter on Human Rights.
In this instance, it is likely that the exception relating to the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media (set out in Articles 17 and 80 of our proposed Regulation) would apply.
So far there has been no expression of interest from England or Scotland in following the international lead set in a tiny town in rural mid-Wales by a charity that does not have a phone line and makes all its calls on Skype.