The British embassy in Cairo has closed temporarily after Egyptian authorities removed security barriers, amid diplomatic tensions with the UK.
The British embassy in Cairo has been temporarily closed after Egyptian authorities removed security barriers from outside the building in the Garden City district.
The UK Foreign Office confirmed the development on Sunday, stating that while the embassy remains operational, “the main embassy building will be closed while the impact of these changes is reviewed.”
The move follows growing calls in Egypt for reciprocal action after protests outside the country’s embassy in London. Last week, a pro-Egyptian government activist was arrested during a confrontation with demonstrators but later released, sparking political outcry in Cairo.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reportedly demanded an explanation from British officials, saying Egypt has the “right to respond and reciprocity” under the Vienna Convention. Some political figures in Egypt also called for the removal of barriers around the UK mission.
The Foreign Office said it is engaging with Egyptian authorities to ensure staff safety while providing consular contact numbers for British citizens.
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON BBC