UK still concerned about justice in Egypt, but will maintain strong ties

After two days of talks with Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, the British Foreign Secretary William Hague released a statement highlighting his concerns regarding “the trial of Egyptian and international journalists, the mass death sentence verdict in a recent court case and the general closure of political space in Egypt in recent months.”

During his visit to London on May 13-14, Fahmy met with Hague, Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa Hugh Robertson, Minister for International Development Alan Duncan and National Security Adviser Kim Darroch. According to Hague’s statement, the officials discussed Egypt and the UK’s bilateral relationship, foreign policy and security and Egypt’s transition.

Hague pledged British support in Egypt’s transitional period, pointing in particular to an independent judiciary, vibrant civil society and free media as essential components of a functioning democracy, and which are meant to be safeguarded in Egypt’s new Constitution ratified in January.

Despite the concerns expressed in his statement, Hague gave no indication that the UK-Egypt relationship would change, nor did he indicate that any political pressure would be placed on Egypt. He described their relationship as “frank and honest” and characterized by “strong ties.”

“Our trade and investment ties remain solid,” he said, “with British companies continuing to be the largest source of foreign direct investment into Egypt. And I value our engagement with Egypt on foreign policy and security.”

Local press reported that during his visit, Fahmy rejected criticism of the criminal charges levied against journalists working in Egypt, asserting that they were facing a fair trial and that the government could not intervene in the judicial process.

In one prominent case, 20 Al Jazeera journalists are being tried on charges stemming from supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, which was recently declared a terrorist organization. Among the defendants is Abdullah al-Shamy, who has been on a hunger strike for more than a 100 days in protest against his incarceration, and three members of the Al Jazeera English bureau.

In the meetings, Fahmy reportedly said that the West is revising its position toward Egypt following its earlier rebukes and punitive measures in response to the ouster of ex-President Mohamed Morsi.

In April, Egypt criticized the British government for issuing a warning about Egypt’s deteriorating human rights record in an annual report.

Darroch is involved in the British government’s review of the Muslim Brotherhood’s operation, which will be primarily carried out by the security agencies MI5 and MI6. Some commentators suggest that pressure from states including Saudi Arabia, which have taken a harsh line against the Brotherhood, may inform the UK’s decision to investigate the Islamist group.