← Back to House of Commons Debates
Prisoners of Conscience 2025-05-01
01 May 2025
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about prisoners of conscience 2025-05-01 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The debate calls on the House to support and advocate for prisoners of conscience, individuals detained unjustly due to their beliefs or faith. It emphasises that such imprisonment is a violation of human rights as outlined in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Jim Shannon highlights the need for diplomatic pressure and international co-operation to address systematic abuses by states like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He calls on the Government to prioritise this issue in diplomatic dialogues and to support civil society groups working towards prisoner releases.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
She raises concern about Armenian prisoners of war detained by Azerbaijan, arguing that they are held for political reasons without legal redress. She supports her constituent Annette Moskofian's efforts to raise awareness on this issue.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
The hon. Member raised questions about the effectiveness of UK interventions for prisoner releases and highlighted specific cases, such as Ali Minaei's imprisonment in Iran for attending a church service. He emphasised the moral duty to persevere despite limited leverage over foreign governments.
Lewes
The hon. Member highlighted the Liberal Democrats' commitment to freedom of religion and belief, emphasising the need for global action against religious persecution and calling on the UK Government to issue a UK-China audit to address human rights abuses.
Lewes
He emphasised the importance of supporting voices for democracy and freedom, particularly in Russia. He called for specific actions such as using Magnitsky sanctions to stand against human rights abuses, banning imports from areas with egregious abuses like Xinjiang, enshrining consular services access in law, developing a strategy for promoting LGBT+ rights globally, and stronger UK engagement with international bodies.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland
He questioned the dichotomy between opposing authoritarian rule while risking involvement in sovereign decisions of independent countries. He highlighted the tension created when imposing our values on other cultures and asked where the right balance lies.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
He praised the hon. Member for Strangford for securing the debate and acknowledged the UK's long-standing role in defending human rights. He mentioned specific examples like the Armenian genocide, Uyghurs in Xinjiang, and Baha’i persecution. Emphasised the importance of balance between good relations with other countries and standing up against human rights abuses.
David Simpson
DUP
Upper Bann
Supports the call to action on individuals imprisoned for their beliefs, highlighting specific countries like Venezuela, Egypt, and Turkey. He questions the Government's engagement with these countries' governments regarding prisoners of conscience.
Nigel Adams
Con
Selby and Ainsty
Raises concerns about Jimmy Lai’s case in Hong Kong, urging for more action from the UK government. He questions whether the Government's economic alignment with China is affecting their advocacy efforts.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Emphasises the need for Britain to lead in defending religious freedom and calls for specific cases of prisoners of conscience to be raised by the Government. He mentions Venezuela's lack of democratic change.
Birmingham Hall Green
Supports the work of the all-party parliamentary group and questions whether the FCDO is actively supporting their efforts in advocating for prisoners of conscience. She also asks about the special envoy's role.
David Burrowes
Con
Enfield, Southgate
Questions if UK aid allocation conditions include progress on safeguarding freedom of religion or belief and whether financial assistance is leveraged to encourage reform in countries with poor records. He emphasises the need for unwavering defence of religious freedoms.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Wood Green
Upheld freedoms while addressing concerns about potential back-door blasphemy laws. Highlighted positive developments in Vietnam, emphasising the UK's willingness to support the country in implementing human rights recommendations. Mentioned the importance of engaging with human rights defenders globally, citing examples such as Viktoriia Roshchyna and Dr Nader al-Sakkaf.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledged contributions from all Members, emphasising the interconnectedness of religious persecution and human rights abuses. Highlighted the importance of being a voice for those who are persecuted due to their faith or beliefs.
Government Response
The Minister reiterates the Government's commitment to freedom of religion or belief and highlights specific actions taken by the UK government to support prisoners of conscience. She mentions the role of the special envoy and emphasises that while they do not believe in making the position statutory, they will continue with the approach established under Fiona Bruce. Defended the Government's position on freedom of religion or belief, highlighting various bilateral and multilateral efforts such as engaging with Vietnam, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Syria. Discussed support for human rights defenders globally, including the work of civil society organisations like Lifeline. Mentioned specific cases such as Jimmy Lai in China and Christians in Iran.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.