Written question asked by Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 22 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 6 July 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Alastair Long

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Kingdom of Bahrain sought permission from the Honours Secretariat before the King of Bahrain conferred an award on the UK Ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, on 21 June; if so, when the request was received; and if not, what discussions they have had or plan to have with the government of Bahrain regarding compliance with paragraphs 16 and 16.1 of the Rules governing the acceptance and wearing of foreign, Commonwealth, Realm and International Orders, Honours, decorations and medals by nationals of the United Kingdom and her Overseas Territories.

Answer: Foreign governments are regularly reminded of the UK Rules on the Acceptance of Foreign Awards. As set out in the previous Government's answer to the Noble Lord, (HL1188, 29 December 2023), where an award is conferred without formal permission having been sought, a Head of Mission will not be given permission to wear the award, but is allowed to retain it.

Secondary information