David Cameron entertains Bahrain’s dictator King Hamad al-Khalif

On his first full day back from holiday, David Cameron held talks in Downing Street with King Hamad al-Khalifa of Bahrain.

The meeting came a week ahead of planned rallies by pro-democracy campaigners protesting against the Gulf state’s ruling dynasty.

Its tough tactics against demonstrators over the last two years have been condemned by human rights groups.

A No 10 spokesman said Mr Cameron reiterated Britain’s support for ongoing political reform in Bahrain but “encouraged His Majesty to continue to demonstrate substantive progress in all areas”.