Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the statement by non-governmental organisations which calls for the release of political prisoners and raises concerns about the impact of prison conditions in Bahrain on the spread of COVID-19, published on 6 April, what representations, if any, they have made to the government of Bahrain about ensuring (1) the release of political prisoners vulnerable to COVID-19, and (2) the provision of adequate protective materials to prisoners; and what response they received to any such representations.

We have spoken to the Government of Bahrain about COVID-19 prevention measures for prisoners and staff. They have assured us that these measures are consistent with World Health Organisation standards. 1,506 prisoners have been released or given non-custodial sentences since 12 March.