‘A maturing democracy ’

Bahrain is a “maturing demo-cracy ” and the king has “total commitment ” to reform, the chairman of a parliamentary group has said.

The unrest in the Gulf kingdom is not the result of a domino effect from events in Egypt and Tunisia, MP Conor Burns, chairman of the all-party group for the kingdom of Bahrain, said.

Britain is urgently reviewing its arms export licences to Bahrain after a fierce military crackdown killed five anti-government protesters.

Mr Burns said King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has brought in sweeping reforms but transition to full democracy “takes time”.

The Conservative MP said: “This is not the ripple or domino effect seeking democracy following on from events in Egypt and Tunisia. There is already full suffrage in Bahrain.

“Bahrain has also seen great strides in economic development with a highly developed financial services sector. This is the result of policies by the government that have seen Bahrain lead the region in terms of growth, employment and prosperity.

“Bahrain is a maturing demo-cracy following the National Action Charter referendum in 2001 when 98.4 per cent of the country voted in free and open elections in support of reforms being introduced by His Majesty.

“These reforms are happening but full democracy takes time. There is no doubt about His Majesty’s total commitment to reform, religious tolerance, openness and transparency.”

Mr Burns said he was among a group of British MPs who saw “democracy in action” during last year’s elections, adding: “We were able to go anywhere we wanted and speak to anyone. While not flawless, these elections are way ahead of anything else seen in the region.”

The Foreign Office said the situation appeared calmer but there was a “risk of further demonstrations and outbreaks of violence in the coming days”.

It advised British travellers “only to make journeys around the island if necessary” and to avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.

The Foreign Office website said: “The UK’s long-standing bilateral relationship with Bahrain is in excellent health.”