House of Commons · General Debate
15 January 2026 · 1 other contributor
Opened by Matt Turmaine Lab Watford
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Matt Turmaine raised concerns about persecuted christians abroad 2026-01-15 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Questions what steps the Church of England is taking to help support persecuted Christians in other countries. The speaker acknowledges that many residents in his constituency who received Christmas cards express concern about the persecution of Christians around the world and highlights the importance of the Open Doors world watch list project.
Questions what steps the Church of England is taking to help tackle the persecution of Christians in other countries. He draws attention to the severe situation in Nigeria, where over 50,000 Christians have been killed by murderous Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen, highlighting that these attacks are intensifying and targeting vulnerable groups like Christian schools and missionaries.
Government Response
Acknowledges the rising persecution on grounds of faith and belief worldwide, including in Iran, Sudan, India and Palestine. The Church is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to improve faith literacy among its officials; supporting the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief; providing resources to bishops to raise cases; and developing resources for use across the global Anglican communion.