British politicians increase pressure to force cancellation of 'conflict-ridden' Bahrain GP

London, Apr 19(ANI): Formula One authorities have come under more pressure from British politicians to cancel the contentious Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to take place this weekend.

Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn won support for an early day motion, which believes that the Formula One race will be used by the Bahrain Government as an endorsement of its policies of suppression of dissent.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Democracy in Bahrain has published an open letter, which it has sent to some of Formula One's biggest sponsors, requesting them to shun this race.

"Should the Bahrain Grand Prix go ahead, the sport and its associates run the risk of looking greedy and out of touch with the reality of the situation," The Telegraph quoted the letter, as saying.

"We are most alarmed that you see no grounds to sever your brand and save its reputation from a totalitarian regime," the letter added.

The letter, which was signed by Andy Slaughter MP, who chairs the all party group which includes four Lords and 17 MPs, was sent to big names from Rupert Murdoch, the chairman and chief executive of News Corporation, to Dietrich Mateschitz, the CEO of Red Bull.

Following the cancellation of last year's grand prix, Formula One's rulers confirmed last Friday their intention push ahead with this year's race.

The announcement elicited an increase in the number and intensity of the daily protests, which are now being witnessed by Formula One personnel, including international media, at close quarters. (ANI)