John Howell (Henley) (Con)
What assessment has the Minister made of how effective the parliamentary elections in Egypt will be in tackling human rights and will the Prime Minister raise that in his discussions with President Sisi?
Mr Ellwood
The elections were well overdue and we are pleased that the first round has taken place, as I have just mentioned. This is a new Parliament. There is an awful lot of work to be done as it takes its infant footsteps in understanding how it, as a legislature, needs to hold the Executive to account. I am pleased that the Arab Partnership scheme and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and funds from the FCO will provide financial assistance to help train the Parliament and ensure that it is as effective as possible in holding the Executive and the presidency to account.
[Official Report, 5 November 2015, Vol. 601, c. 1130.]
Letter of correction from Mr Ellwood:
An error has been identified in the response I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Henley (John Howell) during the Urgent Question on Human Rights in Egypt.
The correct response should have been:
Mr Ellwood
The elections were well overdue and we are pleased that the first round has taken place, as I have just mentioned. This is a new Parliament. There is an awful lot of work to be done as it takes its infant footsteps in understanding how it, as a legislature, needs to hold the Executive to account. I am pleased that the UK Government will provide financial assistance to help train the Parliament and ensure that it is as effective as possible in holding the Executive and the presidency to account.