Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent representations have been received by his Department on plans to build a permanent UK naval base in Bahrain.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to support the Bahrain Defence Force in the agreement to improve facilities at the Mina Salman Port in Bahrain. This process is led and owned by Bahrain. The MOD will continue to provide support and advice when required for this project, as part of our partnership with Bahrain.

The agreement with Bahrain will provide a permanent base for UK mine hunters and it will support other Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels in the Gulf region. The enhanced facilities will provide better support for ships on operations, equipment storage and multi-purpose accommodation for Service personnel.