Ian Lucas MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Middle East, said:

“Reports that Egyptian and international journalists, including British journalists tried in absentia, have been sentenced to up to ten years imprisonment in Egypt are deeply disappointing and very concerning.

“Freedom of expression is fundamental to any properly functioning democracy, and this troubling verdict comes amidst growing concerns about the operation of a free press within Egypt.

“The UK Government was right to summon the Egyptian ambassador, but must now also make a direct appeal to President Sisi to account for the outcome of this case and immediately answer the serious questions raised by it about press freedom and the rule of law.”