Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK-Egypt Relationship

Tuesday 8 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK and Egypt have a strong economic and security partnership.
  • The UK welcomed Egyptian President Sisi to London for the UK-Africa investment summit in January.
  • Richard Holden raised a case involving a business contract between Security Print Solutions and the Egyptian Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has a strong economic and security partnership with Egypt, including high-level meetings such as the recent visit of President Sisi to London for the UK-Africa investment summit.

Question

What steps he is taking to strengthen the UK's relationship with Egypt. The UK and Egypt enjoy a robust diplomatic relationship characterized by significant trade and security cooperation.

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK enjoys a strong relationship with Egypt, which is a key economic and security partner. We regularly engage at the most senior levels. In January, we welcomed President Sisi to London for the UK-Africa investment summit. The Foreign Secretary speaks regularly with Foreign Secretary Shoukry and I spoke with the Egyptian ambassador yesterday.

Answered
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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Business & Trade
Context

Security Print Solutions in Consett, County Durham, has a contract to provide high-quality tax stamps for tobacco products to the Egyptian Government. The company's revenues to the Egyptian exchequer have increased by 121%, and there are ongoing interim contracts as Egypt develops its own facility.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. Security Print Solutions in Consett, County Durham, has a long-standing contract with the Egyptian Government to provide high-quality tax stamps for tobacco products, which have seen revenues to the Egyptian exchequer rise by 121%. Egypt is in the process of developing its own facility, but in the interim, ongoing contracts remain. Will the Minister use his good offices to do all he can to work with the Department for International Trade to help SPS fight for those interim contracts and look for other long-term opportunities to protect and expand export jobs in Consett worldwide?

Answer from James Cleverly

My hon. Friend, in his relatively short time in the House, has shown himself to be a passionate defender of the businesses and people of North West Durham, and I commend him for doing so. I am aware of the case that he has raised. The ambassador and I did not speak directly on that case, but we did talk about bilateral trade relationships. I know our officials are following up on that, but I am more than happy to meet my hon. Friend directly, so he can raise the case with me.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister acknowledged the case and mentioned follow-up by officials but did not commit to specific actions or timelines beyond meeting the MP.

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