Press release

UK watching court ruling on Muslim Brotherhood closely

British Government notes developments in Egypt and calls for an inclusive political system and respect for freedom of expression

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Alistair Burt said:

The British Government is watching closely the outcome of Tuesday’s court ruling in Cairo which banned the activities of the Muslim Brotherhood, and reports that the Freedom and Justice newspaper has been closed down.

I have been clear that whilst we do not support any specific political party in Egypt, we strongly support an inclusive political system which allows all groups in society to be represented and in which freedom of expression is respected.

I believe an inclusive political process leading to early and fair elections which all parties are able to contest offers the best prospects for Egypt’s long-term security and stability.

Further information

Follow Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt on twitter @AlistairBurtFCO

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

For journalists

Published 26 September 2013