'Hypocritical' PM lauds Arab Spring

And the Prime Minister offered direct assistance on security and finance to Egypt in his first meeting with President Mohamed Mursi (pictured).

He said that Britain stands ready to give Egypt advice on the sensitive Sinai area, where government troops have clashed with militants in recent weeks.

And he promised to cut through Brussels red tape which is delaying the repatriation of assets valued at up to £100 million, stolen by the regime of deposed president Hosni Mubarak.

In his keynote speech to the UN general assembly, Mr Cameron voiced optimism about the prospects for the region in the wake of the uprisings which forced a number of leaders from power.

He also called on world leaders gathered in New York to support humanitarian efforts to help those caught up in the violence in Syria.

But Campaign Against Arms Trade spokeswoman Kaye Stearman said: "If David Cameron was serious about supporting democratic government in the Middle East and north Africa, he should stop selling weapons to repressive governments."

Britain has resumed the sale of small arms and surveillance equipment to Bahrain, continues to license arms to Egypt and sent an arms trade mission to Libya earlier this year, she said.

"But as usual the biggest customer, is the most repressive regime of all - Saudi Arabia. Since 2008 the UK has issued export licences for over £4 billion of weapons and other 'strategic exports'."

paddym@peoples-press.com