Bahrain Grand Prix gets backing from former Met chief John Yates, who says 'Bahrain safer place than London' Yates is able to speak from a position of authority given his final position prior to retirement was as the UK's head of counter-terrorism, closely involved in all security planning for this year's Olympics. Yates does not dismiss the fact the BICI uncovered "serious failings at a number of levels," but claims the reporting of recent events in Bahrain is "a distorted picture." In his letter, dated Apr 11, Yates claims to be "aware of the very real concerns that those involved in F1 may have regarding the holding of the fixture in Bahrain next week." However, he claims the view of Bahrain is "being shaped by a huge amount of inaccurate and often deliberately false information being spread through social media forums." Yates insists the "willingness to reform is real and is being led from the highest level of government." He added: "This is not to dismiss the fact some troubles do still exist. The almost nightly skirmishes that take place in certain villages are a potential block on progress and are putting those involved in their policing and innocent members of the public in significant danger. However, in spite of how these events may be portrayed through the medium of YouTube and other outlets, their significance should not be overplayed. These are not lawful protests which are permitted, but violent conduct by a very small minority - often groups of 15-20 young men. These are criminal acts being perpetrated against an unarmed police force who, in the face of such attacks, are acting with remarkable restraint. These people are intent on causing harm to the police and the communities in which they live. They are not representative of the vast majority of delightful, law-abiding citizens that represent the real Bahrain that I see every day. In conclusion Yates wrote: "Along with my family, I feel completely safe. Indeed, safer than I have often felt in London.