UK revokes Egypt export licences

Britain has revoked five export licences for Egypt amid concerns over the deaths of civilian protesters in the wake of the ousting of former president Mohamed Morsi.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said he had taken the decision to withdraw the five standard individual export licences after taking advice from the Foreign Office.

"We are deeply concerned about the situation in Egypt and the events which have led to the deaths of protesters.

"All licences for exports of controlled goods to Egypt have been assessed on a case-by-case basis against a range of internationally agreed, stringent criteria which take into account the circumstances at the time the licence application was made.

"However, as a result of the changing situation in Egypt, we have conducted a review of UK export licences to this country.

"Whilst we have no reports of British equipment being used in the unrest in Egypt, we have taken the decision to revoke five licences."