Gulf States: Official Gifts
(asked on 25th April 2025) - View Source
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on the operational independence and security of UK sovereign interests of accepting gifts from host governments in Gulf states, including the recent sports complex gifted to the Royal Navy by the King of Bahrain.
Answered by
Lord Collins of Highbury
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
His Majesty's Government recognises the importance of ensuring the operational independence and security of sovereign interests, including when operating in partnership with allied nations.
The sports complex is the generous gift of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and the Bahrain Royal Family to the UK for its ongoing commitment to the security of the region. And it is intended to support the welfare and morale of UK personnel stationed at the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, enabling year round access for service personnel.
The UK and Bahrain maintain a longstanding defence relationship, due to our shared interests in regional security and stability.