To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they are having with the government
of Egypt on (1) the withdrawal of a bill to criminalise same-sex relationships, (2)
restrictions on lawyers and non-governmental organisations in Egypt, (3) government
control over the media, including websites, (4) harassment of women, (5) academic
freedom, including at the American University in Cairo, (6) judicial independence,
(7) the situation of those in pre-trial detention and the alleged large number of
people convicted of political offences, and (8) pending death sentences.
<p>Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers consistently raise issues relating
to human rights with the Egyptian authorities. In June 2017, the Foreign Secretary
issued a statement of concern about the non-governmental organisation law, arrests
of political activists and the blocking of news websites. The Minister for the Middle
East and Africa raised restrictions on civil society with Foreign Minister Shoukry
and Interior Minister Ghaffar during his visit to Cairo in August last year. We have
called for the release of journalists and political detainees who remain imprisoned,
and for the review of mass judicial decisions. We have also raised our concerns about
reports of torture and mistreatment in detention, including through our interventions
at the UN Human Rights Council, and in the FCO's Human Rights Priority Country reports.
On LGBT rights, the Egyptian government is well aware of our concerns regarding the
current situation. We continue to call on the Government of Egypt to uphold and protect
the rights of all minorities in the country.</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the extent to which
the government of Turkey’s claim to a “buffer zone”, 30 kilometres deep in northern
Syria, is compatible with NATO policy; and if not, what action they will take to prevent
the establishment of such a zone.
<p>The UK, like NATO, recognises the right of Turkey to secure its border in a proportionate
manner, while ensuring protection of civilians and consideration of their humanitarian
needs. The UK has been clear that we recognise Turkey's legitimate security interests,
and we are committed to working with all allies and partners on solutions that provide
stability and help to de-escalate the situation.</p>
