To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the Government of Egypt about recent attacks on that country's Coptic minority and, in particular, the arson attacks of 21 November in Farshoot and the neighbouring villages of Kom Ahmar, Shakiki and Ezbet Waziri. [HL254]

Our embassy in Cairo is aware of demonstrations, riots and the burning down of buildings belonging to Coptic Christians in towns near Qena. The Egyptian police have arrested a number of people suspected of involvement in the riots, but the situation remains volatile.

The Egyptian Government have undertaken a number of initiatives to promote tolerance, interfaith harmony and prevent sectarian violence, but sectarian tensions and discrimination do still occur. We continue to press the Government of Egypt to ensure effective implementation of their initiatives at all levels.