Earlier today I pressed the Minister for Africa, Rory Stewart, on what he is doing to ensure human rights are upheld in Egypt.
Gerald Jones MP (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney): 7. What steps he is taking to promote human rights in discussions with his counterparts in other countries.
Rory Stewart MP (Minister for Africa): Human rights issues are raised directly by all Ministers in all interactions with counterparts. I myself have raised them nine times in the past four months. We also support civil society organisations on the ground and support human rights norms through multilateral and international organisations.
Gerald Jones MP (Labour, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney): In Egypt, the treatment of the LGBT community continues to deteriorate, but I understand that lawmakers in the Egyptian Parliament are now considering a Bill to punish same-sex relationships with a maximum 10-year prison sentence. What representations have the Minister or the Foreign Secretary made to President Sisi about these alarming developments?
Rory Stewart MP (Minister for Africa): These are very alarming developments, and the transition from what was believed to be an Islamist Government to a nationalist Government appears to have coincided with a crackdown on such issues. The Foreign Secretary has raised the matter directly with President Sisi and we will continue to champion these issues and raise them in every interaction with the Egyptian Government.
You can also watch the exchange here: https://www.facebook.com/GeraldJonesLabour/videos/1600784606673341/