Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Alaa Abd El-Fattah

Tuesday 31 January 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government is deeply concerned about the continued detention of Alaa Abd El-Fattah and is committed to supporting him and his family.
  • The Minister for the Middle East has met with Alaa Abd El-Fattah's family previously and will continue to engage with them.
  • The Egyptian authorities have not recognized Alaa Abd El-Fattah's dual nationality, preventing consular staff from visiting him in prison.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Foreign Affairs
Context

Alaa Abd El-Fattah, a prominent democracy campaigner and British citizen, has been detained in Egypt since December 2021. His continued imprisonment raises concerns about consular access and the UK's ability to provide support.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to provide consular support for Alaa Abd El-Fattah.

Answer from David Rutley

We are deeply concerned about the continued detention of Alaa Abd El-Fattah and are committed to supporting Mr El-Fattah and his family. Since Mr El-Fattah's sentencing in December 2021, His Majesty's Government have made numerous representations concerning his imprisonment, welfare and lack of consular access. This includes through successive interventions by Prime Ministers with President Sisi and engagement with senior Egyptian Government figures led by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific actions taken to ensure consular support were not detailed.

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Q2 Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North
Foreign Affairs
Context

Alaa Abd El-Fattah's case remains unresolved despite previous discussions between the UK and Egypt. His family is present in the Gallery hoping for progress.

Question

Will the Minister commit to a meeting with Alaa's family to discuss at greater length what the UK Government are doing to place diplomatic pressure on Egypt on this matter?

Answer from David Rutley

We have been providing regular consular support to Mr El-Fattah's family and recognise that they are here today. My noble Friend Lord Ahmad, the Minister for the Middle East, has met family members previously. He will continue to closely engage with the family, keep them informed of developments and work with the Egyptian authorities on this case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The commitment to a specific meeting was not made explicitly.

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Q3 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Foreign Affairs
Context

Alaa Abd El-Fattah's continued imprisonment raises questions about the diplomatic repercussions for Egypt and precedents set by denying consular access.

Question

What is the diplomatic cost to that Government for denying consular access to a British citizen, and what precedent does it set when that access is denied without consequence?

Answer from David Rutley

The FCDO has been supporting Mr El-Fattah and his family, advocating for his release and other defendants. However, the Egyptian authorities have not recognised his dual nationality, preventing consular staff from visiting him in prison. We are continuing to press for action, including his release.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific diplomatic cost and precedents were not detailed.

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