Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on diplomatic relations of the ban on flights between the UK and Sharm El Sheikh.

The UK is a friend of Egypt – a firm security partner, business partner of choice, a practical supporter of empowering the Egyptian people, and an advocate of modernising reform. We cooperate on a range of issues both bilaterally and multilaterally, including in our shared interests of combating terrorism, countering extremism, and working to bring stability and security to Libya. I have visited Egypt twice this year, and the Foreign Secretary visited in February.

All relationships have their issues. We are in constant dialogue with the Egyptian Government about the ban on flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh. Our Travel Advice can have political implications, but we do not let this determine the advice we give. The safety of British nationals has to be our main concern.