Written question asked by Bishop of Coventry (Bishops (affiliation)), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Warsi (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 2014.

Egypt

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken to implement the European Union Foreign Affairs Council decision of 21 August 2013 requiring Member States (1) to suspend export licences to Egypt of any equipment which might be used for internal repression, and (2) to reassess export licences for equipment covered by Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and review their security assistance to Egypt.[HL5888]

Answer

The UK fully supports the decision of EU Foreign Ministers to suspend export licensing to Egypt for equipment which might be used for internal repression.

After the Foreign Affairs Council decision in August 2013, the UK suspended 48 export licences for equipment which might have been used for internal repression.

Subsequently, in line with Foreign Affairs Council conclusions, we have fully re-assessed all licences for Egypt. This resulted in the approval of 24 licences where we do not judge that the goods might be used for internal repression and the revocation of 3 licences where we judge that there is a clear risk that the goods might be used for internal repression. All licences for goods which we judge might be used for internal repression will remain suspended and several licences which were suspended have now expired so no action has been taken on them.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL5888; 753 cc18-9WA
Session: 2013-14
Subjects: Export controls EU action Egypt
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Egypt

Secondary information

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