The United Kingdom temporarily closed its embassy in Cairo after Egyptian security officials dismantled security barriers around the mission. The action is amidst escalating diplomatic tensions following the arrest of a pro-government Egyptian activist in London last week.
UK Embassy Closure in Cairo
The Foreign Office confirmed on Sunday that its main embassy building in Cairo’s Garden City district will continue to be closed “while the impact of these changes is reviewed.” However, it emphasized that the embassy is still functioning and consular services will still be delivered remotely.
Security barriers, which had stood for decades around the US and UK embassies in Cairo, were dismantled by Egyptian officials after protests from local politicians. Egypt’s critics have claimed the barriers caused traffic disruption for decades, whereas supporters have argued that they were required for security reasons.
Activist’s Arrest Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
The diplomatic tensions are the result of the arrest of an Egyptian government-supporting activist outside Egypt’s London embassy. The man was temporarily held before being released after allegedly confronting the anti-government protesters.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty complained about the issue personally to UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, emphasizing Egypt’s “right to reciprocity” under the Vienna Convention if embassies are not sufficiently protected. Abdelatty’s remarks have stoked controversy in Egypt, where politicians urged retaliatory action.
UK and Egypt in Security Talks
The British government continues to negotiate with Egyptian officials to protect its diplomatic team. Although the embassy compound is shut, the Foreign Office has published emergency contact details on its travel information website for those requiring support.
Notably, the UK has not made any travel warning against Cairo, although it still advises against travel to specific areas in Egypt due to overall security threats, such as in border regions and the Sinai peninsula.
This is not the first time the UK embassy in Cairo has closed. Similar temporary shutdowns occurred in 2013 and 2014, also linked to security concerns. The current closure, however, underscores the fragile state of UK–Egypt relations as both governments try to balance security with diplomacy.
