Member Article

UK SME exports impacted by Egypt situation

UK SMEs are being impacted by the events in Egypt as the UK Government have now suspended 49 export licences with the country.

The Government, in accordance with all European Union Member States has suspended certain licences for goods that could be used for internal repression.

Firms producing defence and communications products have been affected, including those who manufacture helicopter and aircraft parts.

The Business Secretary said suspensions would continue until conditions in Egypt improve.

The suspension applies to licences for the Egyptian Army, Air Force and Internal Security Forces or Ministry of the Interior.

Vince Cable said: “The UK position is clear: we will not grant export licences where there is a clear risk that goods might be used for internal repression. The Government takes its export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most rigorous arms export control regimes in the world.

“We have already taken action to restrict exports to Egypt. As a result of the developing situation in Egypt, we have agreed with EU partners in this instance to go further and suspend all export licences for goods which might be used for internal repression. By acting together, we want to send a clear signal that we condemn all violence in Egypt.”

The action follows growing violence as the Egyptian military crackdown on supporters of deposed President, Mohammed Morsi.

In July, five UK licences were suspended for the supply of small arms/firearms components, armoured vehicle components and communications equipment.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .