Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Around 180 British tourists were tonight flying home from Egypt on a plane chartered by the Foreign Office to help UK nationals flee the capital Cairo, amid escalating violence between opponents and supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.
Prime Minister David Cameron today joined other European leaders to step up pressure on Mubarak to give up the reins of power after 30 years.
But foreign interference in Egyptian affairs was rejected by Vice President Omar Suleiman, who said: "Intervention in our internal affairs is strange, unacceptable and we will not allow it."
In a lengthy interview on state television, Mr Suleiman said the authorities were ready to talk with anti-government protesters, including activists of the proscribed Muslim Brotherhood, and accepted some of those involved in the demonstrations of the past week had voiced "legitimate, acceptable demands".
But he also claimed there had been a conspiracy to destabilise Egypt and said those responsible for violence in Tahrir Square, the focal point of demonstrations, would be punished.
At least eight people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes in and around the Square, where pro-government attackers opened fire on protesters early this morning.
A Government-chartered plane to bring UK nationals home from Egypt left Cairo Airport around 5.15pm (British time) today and was due to arrive back at Gatwick around 10.30pm.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments