Egypt

Lord Bach Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

My noble friend sums up sentiments which are, I think, widely shared across the House. The UK of course opposes the death penalty. We believe it undermines human dignity and there is no evidence that it works as a deterrent. If an error is made, it is of course irreversible. We review the death penalty strategy each year, including priority countries where necessary. Our views have been well documented and continue to be shared across the board particularly, in this context, with the Egyptian authorities.

[Lord Bach (Lab)]

My Lords, the verdict and sentences of death passed this week are a breach of international law, as has just been said. The UN human rights commissioner has said the same. However, along with the detention of the Al-Jazeera journalists and other matters raised, they also show a high level of contempt for the rule of law. Will Her Majesty’s Government take a significant role in not only condemning the decision—that is something that we can all easily do—but in really leading international opinion to insist on a proper and fair appeal process?

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon]

It is important to reiterate that the justice system in Egypt should be seen to be both transparent and fair. As my noble friend pointed out a moment ago, certain people have been tried in absentia. It is important that we see openness and justice being served. To mention the Al-Jazeera journalists specifically, we have raised our concerns about cases of freedom of expression at the most senior level with the Egyptian Government in recent days, and the Foreign Secretary discussed them with other European Foreign Ministers at the European Foreign Affairs Council. I reiterate that the UK believes that a free and robust press, alongside other matters, is the bedrock of democracy, and an open, transparent and fair justice system is also an important part of the democratic process.