Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic and other support the Government has given to the Egyptian Government as a result of recent attacks on Christian churches in the country.

Combating sectarian violence in Egypt is a shared objective for the Egyptian and British Governments.

Following the recent terrorist attacks in Egypt targeting the Coptic Community, the Prime Minister, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May) wrote to the President of Egypt to express her condolences and reiterate the UK's support for Egypt in its fight against terrorism. The Government continues to work closely with the Egyptian authorities on security and counter-terrorism, including through training Egyptian officers in countering improvised explosive devices and close protection.

The British Government has been clear that freedom of religious belief needs to be protected and that the ability to worship in peace is a vital component of a democratic society. We are concerned about recent reports of sectarian violence in Egypt, and welcome President Sisi's consistent calls for peaceful coexistence and the Government of Egypt's expression of support for the rights of Christians and for religious tolerance.