A former UK Middle East minister has been accused of breaching transparency rules over a paid advisory role with an influential Bahraini centre that has links to the Gulf state’s government. The Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) said that Acoba should now review its advice and it has submitted a formal complaint. In a letter to Ahmad from April, Acoba advised that the risk in Ahmad taking up the role was low. It is understood Ahmad believes the Acoba process was thorough and that the Foreign Office was fully consulted about his role. Acoba publishes its advice letters – including the information provided and consideration – on its website when a role is taken up.