Backbench Business

O'Hara emphasises the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners in Bahrain following the Arab Spring uprising of 2011. He mentions the release of prisoners but highlights that political activists remain detained under harsh conditions, including Dr al-Singace and Hassan Mushaima. O'Hara urges the UK Government to take concrete actions such as suspending financial support through the Gulf strategy fund and calling for a UN-led commission to investigate torture in Bahrain.

Stewart disputes the numbers of political prisoners, arguing that they are incarcerated due to criminal activities rather than being political dissidents.

Bottomley inquires about why certain categories of prisoners are never released during general amnesty periods, suggesting this as a possible indicator of political prisoners.

The Father of the House spoke about his involvement in the Women’s Campaign for Soviet Jewry, highlighting individual efforts can bring attention to human rights issues. He mentioned Bahrain's mixed record on human rights and criticised the country's use of torture, calling for an end to such practices. He also suggested looking at which political prisoners are included or excluded from amnesties on National Day as a useful way to gauge whether political prisoners exist in Bahrain.

Corbyn thanked Brendan O'Hara for securing the debate and criticised the Bahraini Government's statement that no one is arrested or in custody in connection with peaceful political activity, given the clear evidence of human rights abuses. He called on the UK Government to prioritise human rights before military exercises or financial support to the regime. Corbyn highlighted issues such as torture, mass trials, death sentences and poor conditions for migrant workers. He raised specific cases including that of Ali al-Hajee who was tortured after organising pro-democracy protests.

Bahrain has freedom of religion, and many prisoners have been convicted of terrorism. The country faces considerable terrorist activity from Iran-inspired threats; however, it also releases political prisoners and maintains transparency in prison conditions.

The Government must maintain a balance between strategic importance and human rights concerns. Human rights abuses are reported by organisations like Amnesty International, and the UK's engagement with Bahrain should show progress in maintaining human rights.

Serious and systematic human rights violations persist in Bahrain despite cosmetic reforms. The Executive retains too much unchecked power, leading to discrimination against Shi'a Muslims and no genuine political opposition or press freedom. Genuine political dialogue is needed for stability.

Expressed concern over human rights abuses and religious discrimination in Bahrain. Highlighted issues such as the demolition of Shi’a Muslim mosques, restrictions during Muharram, and the imprisonment of religious leaders like Sheikh Ali Salman and Sheikh Muhammad Habib. Called for their release and urged the UK Government to reconsider its statement about freedom of religion or belief in Bahrain.

Said that freedom of religion is well established in Bahrain, mentioning there are more Shi’a mosques than Sunni mosques and a synagogue exists in the country.

Lauds the efforts to bring attention to human rights violations in Bahrain. Criticises the Bahraini regime for subjecting critics to cruel treatment, including unfair trials, torture, fabrication of evidence, targeting minority groups, and suppressing freedom of expression. Expresses concern over the Isa Town prison and mentions Mr al-Singace's case as an example of political imprisonment under oppressive conditions. Questions the UK Government’s relationship with Bahrain despite its poor human rights record. Urges for greater transparency in funding projects in Bahrain and calls on the UK to suspend non-poverty alleviation programmes until more information is available. Suggests a public inquiry into the Gulf strategy fund and advocates for UN-led investigations of torture within Bahrain.

We on the Opposition side of the House have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Bahrain, particularly with regard to the detention of political prisoners. We believe that a true friend does not stay silent and turn a blind eye when wrong actions are taken. UK Ministers remain deafeningly silent on the issue of human rights and the ongoing detention of political prisoners. Labour has regularly called for the release of political prisoners in Bahrain, including Dr Abduljalil al-Singace and Hasan Mushaima. The number of political prisoners per capita is one of the highest in the Middle East, with about 1,500 political prisoners currently detained according to the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy. Despite cross-party calls, little has been done by UK Ministers regarding these issues. Labour expresses concern that UK taxpayer money allocated to the integrated activity fund (IAF) does not follow human rights due diligence policies. The report of the all-party group on democracy and human rights in the Gulf found that programmes supported by the IAF had been run with minimal levels of accountability, transparency and due diligence despite being implicated in human rights violations. It recommended immediate suspension of Government funding to GCC states through the GSF pending an independent inquiry into its implication in human rights and international law violations.

There is not, to the best of my knowledge, a prisoner in a Bahrain prison who has not carried out an offence that is much more than speaking out against the regime—like being a member of a terrorist organisation or propagating terrorism.

One of the main concerns is that people are convicted in Bahrain with no access to independent legal representation or legal accompaniment and claim to have been subjected to torture before confessing to crimes, leading them to imprisonment. This would be totally illegal within international law anywhere else in the world.

He defended the UK's relationship with Bahrain, emphasising that they are allies and partners on defence, security, trade and regional issues. He argued against disengaging from Bahrain, stating that engagement is better than standing on the sidelines. He highlighted the work of oversight bodies supported by the UK to improve human rights in Bahrain.

He expressed disappointment that the Minister did not mention the names of political prisoners such as Dr al-Singace and Hassan Mushaima. He criticised the Government for failing to address human rights abuses.

Asked about engagement with UN human rights organisations and independent visits and monitoring by these bodies in Bahrain.