20 Jul 2013

UK arms export licences for Egypt revoked

10:16 am on 20 July 2013

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable has revoked five export licences for Egypt amid concerns over the deaths of civilian protesters.

The licences covered equipment destined for the Egyptian army and police.

The BBC reports they include components for armoured personnel carriers, radio equipment, machine gun components, components for tracked armoured infantry vehicles and communications equipment for tanks.

Mr Cable said he took decision after getting 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,'' he said.

President Mohammed Morsi was relieved of power by the Egyptian army on 3 July. Dozens of civilians are reported to have been killed in protests since then.