From Suez to Tourism: Why Britain’s Pressure on Egypt Backfires at Home

 Article

For decades, Britain has positioned itself as a global power broker, often using “soft” tools such as media campaigns, travel advisories, and financial levers to put pressure on countries like Egypt. Yet, as recent events show, these tactics are increasingly counterproductive. London’s reliance on outdated strategies — from maritime insurance manipulation to misleading travel warnings — reveals not strength but fragility.

The Maritime Insurance Card

Britain’s dominance in maritime insurance dates back to the 17th century with Lloyd’s of London. To this day, key players such as the UK P&I Club hold massive influence over global shipping, including in the Suez Canal. When the Ever Given incident occurred in 2021, Egypt faced not only the logistical nightmare of a blocked canal but also the legal and insurance crossfire led by British-linked insurers.

The practice of raising premiums for vessels passing through Suez — allegedly under “risk assessments” — acts as economic pressure on Egypt. This raises unfair costs on global trade while directly cutting into Egypt’s rightful revenues from its strategic waterway. Such manipulation, while presented as “market logic,” is in reality a geopolitical tool.

The Tourism Front: False Alarms

Another recurring instrument is the issuance of travel warnings. Despite Egypt being safe and stable in its key tourist hubs, British media often amplify isolated incidents to discourage travelers. The irony is striking: while the UK Foreign Office issues advisories, world leaders like France’s Emmanuel Macron stroll comfortably through Cairo’s historic Al-Gamaleya district alongside President Sisi (France24, 2019).

These exaggerated warnings are not neutral; they are economic weapons aimed at undercutting one of Egypt’s most vital industries. Yet, the evidence of safety from official state visits undermines the credibility of such claims.

Backfiring on Britain

While London tries to pressure Cairo, ordinary British citizens are the ones paying the price. The UK is facing its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades (BBC, 2023). Energy bills, inflation, and declining industrial competitiveness weigh heavily on households. Instead of cooperating with Egypt — where initiatives like the Suez Canal Economic Zone and renewable projects could create mutual prosperity — Britain wastes energy on geopolitical games.

Ironically, a fair partnership with Egypt would relieve some of Britain’s internal burdens: stabilizing trade costs, expanding investment opportunities, and lowering the price pressure on British consumers. Continued hostility, however, only accelerates Britain’s economic isolation.

Conclusion

The time has come for Britain to rethink. The old empire mentality, relying on maritime insurance manipulation and fear-driven media, belongs to another era. Egypt is not only standing firm but expanding its role as a central hub in global trade and tourism.

For Britain, ending this futile pressure campaign would not be an act of charity but of self-interest. By cooperating with Egypt, London could unlock opportunities that ease the strain on its own citizens. The alternative is clear: more economic stagnation at home, and further erosion of credibility abroad.

Sources

Wikipedia: Lloyd’s of London – History of maritime insurance dominance

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Wikipedia: UK P&I Club – Role in the Ever Given Suez Canal case (2021)

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Insurance Times: Country Profile: Egypt – On the development of Egypt’s local insurance market

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Oxford Business Group: Egypt Insurance Report (2016) – Sector overview and challenges

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Reuters: Egypt detains Ever Given, demands $916 million from owner (2021)

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France24: Macron strolls through Cairo’s Al-Gamaleya with President Sisi (2019)

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BBC: UK cost of living crisis explained (2023) – Record inflation and energy bills

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https://silentegyptobserver.blogspot.com/2025/09/britains-colonial-debt-from-financial_4.html