President Sisi: Visit

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean Excerpts

Monday 2nd November 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

The noble Lord is right in so many ways. President al-Sisi will be visiting the United Kingdom later this week and no doubt there will be reports on what is discussed.

[Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare an interest as the chair of the British Egyptian Society, which is a cultural organisation dealing with educational and cultural links with Egypt. Does the Minister accept that it was under the previous regime of the Muslim Brotherhood that many women in Egypt lost their rights? Many of the women I know told me—perhaps the noble Earl has had similar experiences—that they were asked to wear the hijab when they had never worn it before; warned not to apply for jobs in public services; and told not to expect the same pay rises and promotion opportunities as their male counterparts. They said that under this regime that, at least, has improved.

[The Earl of Courtown]

With her great knowledge, the noble Baroness makes some very interesting points and I agree wholeheartedly.