David Cameron is to meet the King of Bahrain in Downing Street on the PM’s first day back at work following his summer holiday.
It will be the third time as prime minister he has met the king.
When they met at the end of last year the PM pledged UK support to help implement reforms in the country.
It followed international condemnation of the Bahrain government’s response to the Arab Spring demonstrations in 2011. At least 40 people died in the unrest.
An independent commission found that Bahraini police had used excessive force against anti-government protesters.
‘Inadequate’
The Bahraini government pledged reform and King Hamad sought UK advice on changes to the police and judiciary.
However, since then Human Rights Watch has accused Bahrain’s police of continuing to beat and torture detainees, including minors.
And Amnesty International said the Bahraini government’s response to the findings of the commission were “inadequate”, with human rights violations continuing.
In April, the controversial Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix went ahead despite continuing anti-government protests.
Human rights campaigners also condemned the inclusion of King Hamad at a luncheon at Windsor Castle to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Downing Street said it would not provide details of what will be discussed at the meeting.