Formula 1 has been urged to call off the Bahrain Grand Prix by an MP and seven British peers in the wake of continuing unrest in the Gulf state.

The Times has published a letter from seven Lords and Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas expressing "concern [about] the decision to go ahead with the race".

Here is the letter in full:

3 February 2012

Dear Sir,

We note with concern the decision by Formula 1 to go ahead with the race in Bahrain scheduled for April.

The continued political crisis in Bahrain is a troubling source of instability in the Gulf region, and the lack of any move towards political reconciliation concerns those who wish to see Bahrain move in the direction of greater democratic accountability. 

It was hoped that the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) would provide a starting point for political reform which both government and opposition forces could agree upon.

However, two months on we see an entrenchment of the positions of both sides which risks letting more extreme voices dictate the progress of the conflict.

Given the current dire situation, with daily street protests and the deaths of more civilians, we do not believe that the time is right for Formula 1 to return to Bahrain.

We recognise that Bahrain is a major trading hub and financial centre in the Middle East but this brings greater responsibility.

Human rights and economic stability go hand in hand and the government of Bahrain must do more to persuade international events and corporations that Bahrain is a stable place to do business.

Until it takes concerted measures to reform the electoral, penal and judicial processes, international observers as well as ordinary Bahrainis can have little confidence that Bahrain is on the path to reform and political stability.

We urge the Formula 1 governing body, the FIA, to reconsider their decision to continue with the Bahrain race.

Yours faithfully,

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

Lord Ahmed of Rotherham

Lord Alton

Lord Avebury

Baroness Falkner of Margravime

Lord Hylton

Caroline Lucas MP

ENDS