Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah

Tuesday 26 November 2024 · 7 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Brian Leishman questioned the government on halting new economic partnerships with Egypt unless Alaa Abd el-Fattah is released.
  • Iain Duncan Smith inquired about the rigorous pursuit of Ryan Cornelius' case, with ongoing consular access provided by officials.
  • Stella Creasy asked about specific actions if Egypt does not restore consular access for Alaa Abd el-Fattah.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

Alaa Abd el-Fattah is a British citizen held in Egypt. His mother, Laila Soueif, has been on a 58-day hunger strike protesting his imprisonment which ended in September.

Question

I am concerned about Alaa Abd el-Fattah's continued imprisonment despite the end of his sentence. Given that Laila Soueif is here and her son's release remains uncertain, will you guarantee that new economic partnerships with Egypt are halted unless Alaa Abd el-Fattah is released?

Answer from David Lammy

We continue to raise Mr el-Fattah's case at the highest levels. The Prime Minister raised it with President Sisi on 8 August and I last raised it with the Egyptian Foreign Minister yesterday. Despite the situation in Gaza, we remain committed to securing his release.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Guaranteeing halting of economic partnerships until Alaa Abd el-Fattah's release

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Q2 Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Laila Soueif, Alaa Abd el-Fattah's mother, is in the Gallery for 58 days on hunger strike. She demands to know that her Government are doing everything possible to bring her son home.

Question

Given Laila Soueif's dedication and the 58-day hunger strike she is undertaking, can you guarantee that new economic or financial partnerships with Egypt will be halted unless Alaa Abd el-Fattah is freed?

Answer from David Lammy

I look forward to meeting Mr el-Fattah's mother later and share my hon. Friend's determination to secure his release. However, it is important that we continue our relationship with Egypt due to the situation in Gaza.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Guaranteeing halting of economic partnerships until Alaa Abd el-Fattah's release

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Q3 Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green
Context

Ryan Cornelius, an individual held illegally by the United Arab Emirates for over 16 years much of it in solitary confinement, has not had his case raised recently.

Question

Given Ryan Cornelius' situation of illegal detention and recent lack of attention from officials, can you confirm that his case will be rigorously pursued?

Answer from David Lammy

The situation of Ryan Cornelius has been raised with the UAE and officials continue to provide consular access. The UAE is aware that we are concerned about his case.

Answered
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Q4 John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington
Context

Alaa Abd el-Fattah's family has suffered significantly. It is believed that President Sisi will only act if there is an economic threat.

Question

Given the family's suffering and the belief that President Sisi will only respond to economic threats, can you contact his office after meeting Mrs el-Fattah tomorrow to ensure our economic relationship suffers unless he is released?

Answer from David Lammy

I spoke to the Egyptian Foreign Minister yesterday and urged him to look at what parliamentarians are saying about this case. We continue to press them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Directly contacting President Sisi's office

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Q5 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Foreign Affairs
Context

The all-party parliamentary group heard evidence from UK nationals held abroad. Alaa's mother testified this morning about the challenges faced.

Question

Given concerns raised by the all-party group and Alaa's mother, does the Minister acknowledge that being a UK national might not offer unique advantages in cases of arbitrary detention?

Answer from David Lammy

We have said we will introduce a special representative to work with hostage families, recognising issues in this area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Acknowledgment that being British does not offer unique advantages

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Q6 Stella Creasy Labour (Co-op) Walthamstow
Foreign Affairs
Context

Alaa Abd el-Fattah's family, including his friends and constituents, are campaigning for him to be freed. Consular access is denied.

Question

Given the continued denial of consular access and the House's support for Alaa's release, what specific actions will you take if Egypt does not restore consular access?

Answer from David Lammy

I am pressing the Egyptians on Mr el-Fattah's dual nationality issue which, once resolved, would allow him consular access. I continue to urge them on this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions if Egypt refuses consular access

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Q7 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Jimmy Lai, a British national, is imprisoned in Hong Kong. This case has been highlighted by the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green as well.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for that answer and commend the hon. Member for Alloa and Grangemouth for raising the matter, but it is not the only case: the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green referred to another case, and I would add Jimmy Lai as a third. The UK and British passport must mean something. With that in mind, is it not time to set aside a specific section in the FCDO that looks at these cases and is tasked with getting our British citizens back home to this United Kingdom?

Answer from David Lammy

As the hon. Gentleman mentions Jimmy Lai, let me say once again that we call on the Hong Kong authorities to release immediately British national Jimmy Lai, who is a significant priority for this Government. That is why the Prime Minister raised the matter with the President of China last week and I raised it with the Foreign Minister of China. The hon. Gentleman is right: this does need a close look by the new Government. We are just over four months old, we are looking at it and we will come forward with proposals shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The establishment of a specific section within the FCDO to address repatriation issues for British citizens

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