Free Trade Agreements Freedom of Religion or Belief 2020-06-18
2020-06-18
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Q1
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The UK has a programme led by Rehman Chishti as the Prime Minister's special envoy on freedom of religion or belief, and there are concerns about religious minorities suffering under the pandemic.
Rehman Chishti asks what steps the minister is taking to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is included in negotiations on free trade agreements. He references his previous work as a trade envoy covering Pakistan where human rights were part of the GSP plus trade clause and highlights concerns about religious minorities suffering under COVID-19.
Greg Hands acknowledges the work Rehman Chishti has done as Prime Minister's special envoy on freedom of religion and belief. He mentions the endorsement of the Truro report's approach by the current Government and confirms that the GSP plus scheme will be incorporated into a UK scheme, including key human rights obligations such as freedom of religion and expression.
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