Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with international counterparts regarding the enforcement of blasphemy laws in Egypt, notwithstanding constitutional protections for freedom of religion or belief; and what assessment they have made of the risks posed to Coptic Christians.

The Egyptian Government has stated a firm commitment to protect the rights of Coptic Christians and their freedom of worship, and protections for freedom of religion are mandated in the Egyptian constitution. The UK champions freedom of religion or belief for all and regularly discusses human rights concerns with the Government of Egypt and international counterparts, and will continue to do so, where appropriate.