Several British politicians have called on Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, to reconsider its decision to go ahead with the Bahrain GP.
In an open letter sent to The Times, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, Lord Alton, Lord Avebury, Baroness Falkner of Margravine, Lord Hylton, Caroline Lucas and Lord Boswell all questioned the decision to allow the race to go ahead, despite the ongoing political situation.
The situation in Bahrain has improved since this time last year, but unrest continues with reports that a British man had his fingers chopped off after being attacked near Manama.
The letter starts: “Sir, We note with concern the decision by Formula 1 to go ahead with the race in Bahrain scheduled for April.
“The continued political crisis in Bahrain is a troubling source of instability in the Gulf region, and the lack of any move towards political reconciliation concerns those who wish to see Bahrain move in the direction of greater democratic accountability.
“Given the current dire situation, with daily street protests and the deaths of more civilians, we do not believe that the time is right for Formula 1 to return to Bahrain.”
It added: “Until it takes concerted measures to reform the electoral, penal and judicial processes, international observers as well as ordinary Bahrainis can have little confidence that Bahrain is on the path to reform and political stability. We urge the FIA to reconsider its decision to continue with the race.”
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