Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freedom of Religion or Belief

Tuesday 26 April 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Freedom of religion or belief is a key strategic priority for the UK's Department.
  • The UK plans to host an international conference on freedom of religion or belief in July.
  • The Minister expressed willingness to meet with the Christians in Parliament and other faith groups.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fiona Bruce Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP wants to ensure that the promotion of freedom of religion or belief remains a strategic priority for her department.

Question

What steps she is taking to ensure that freedom of religion or belief remains a key strategic priority for her Department?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Promoting freedom of religion or belief is one of the UK's longest-standing human rights priorities. We are making good progress on implementing the Bishop of Truro's recommendations to support everyone persecuted for their religion or belief. We are looking forward to hosting an international ministerial conference on freedom of religion or belief in July to drive forward international efforts to promote openness and freedom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps taken to ensure it remains a strategic priority were not detailed.

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Q2 Fiona Bruce Con
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The MP acknowledges the Foreign Secretary's support for an international conference and asks if it would be a good opportunity to showcase how FORB is a priority for the UK Government.

Question

Do Ministers agree that hosting the international conference on freedom of religion or belief in July would be an excellent opportunity to showcase how FORB is a priority for the UK Government?

Answer from Vicky Ford

I thank my hon. Friend for her outstanding work across the world on the Prime Minister's behalf as his envoy on freedom of religion or belief. She is right to be really concerned about the increasing attacks and the increased severity of attacks on freedom of religion or belief. The conference that the UK is going to lead in July will be enormously important; we will welcome partner countries and stakeholders from all across the world. The Foreign Secretary is very much looking forward to attending it and taking part.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific confirmation on whether hosting such a conference would serve as an excellent platform was not given.

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP thanks the Speaker and requests a meeting with Christians in Parliament to discuss persecution for faith.

Question

Will the Minister meet the Christians in Parliament to discuss freedom of religion or belief? Children and adults in certain Commonwealth countries are persecuted for their faith. Can we do something about that?

Answer from Vicky Ford

I would be very happy, as a Christian, to meet the Christians in Parliament and to meet other faith groups and those who hold no faith. I thank the hon. Member for that invitation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment or action regarding persecution for faith was provided.

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