The UK must take a lead to stop bloodshed in Egypt

The Foreign Secretary William Hague has called for end to violence and a return to dialogue in Egypt. Following a telephone call between the Foreign Secretary and the Egyptian Foreign Minister yesterday evening, a Foreign Office spokesperson said:

"The Foreign Secretary and the Egyptian Foreign Minister spoke about the tragic violence and loss of life over recent days. The Foreign Secretary emphasised UK condemnation of all acts of violence, whether disproportionate use of force by the security forces or violent actions by some demonstrators. They also discussed the recent attacks on places of worship and the Foreign Secretary stressed that attacks on mosques and churches were unacceptable and that places of worship must be protected.

"The Foreign Secretary noted the Egyptian government's stated commitment to the political roadmap published on 4 July, based on dialogue between all parties who accepted peaceful political processes. He underlined the need for urgent steps by all sides to end the violence and enable a return to dialogue. The Foreign Secretary also emphasised the EU's collective determination to support a peaceful resolution of the situation."

Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander said today: "After days of bloodshed and international condemnation, the Foreign Secretary has still not publicly committed to even review UK aid to Egypt or the arms export licences granted to the country. At the EU ambassadors meeting tomorrow, and the emergency foreign ministers summit this week, the UK must take a lead and ensure the EU uses the levers available to help end the bloodshed. European co-operation with Egypt should not continue as normal when civilians are being killed and basic rights are being undermined. Egypt's generals must know that they cannot act with impunity, and must commit to a fixed timetable for holding new elections."