Bahraini award to UK envoy shows ‘our diplomats are up for grabs’, says peer

The UK's ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, has sparked controversy by accepting the Order of Bahrain from King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, seemingly violating Foreign Office guidelines. Critics argue this move compromises his moral integrity and suggests diplomats may be influenced by foreign honors. Such actions raise concerns about the integrity and impartiality of diplomatic engagements, especially in regions with poor human rights records, highlighting a potential breach in diplomatic protocol.