Letter: Bahrain views
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Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I write to correct the impression given by Fran Abrams in her article about the recent visit by MPs to Bahrain regarding gifts received by members of the group.
After our return each MP taking part in the visit received the gift of a wristwatch. Each of us was entirely free to decide whether or not to accept the watch. Those who decided to do so would be required to register the gift in the Register of Members' interests.
I took advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and felt it would be most appropriate if I followed the practice adopted by ministers (who are not allowed to accept such gifts) and returned it to the FCO.
CLAIRE M WARD MP
(Watford, Lab)
House of Commons
London SW1
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