Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Persecution of Christians and Freedom of Religion or Belief

21 October 2020 · 8 other contributors · 14,080 words

Opened by Rehman Chishti Con Gillingham and Rainham

Responding minister: Nigel Adams

Religion & Faith

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rehman Chishti raised concerns about persecution of christians and freedom of religion or belief in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Lead MP expressed concern about global persecution of Christians, citing 84% of the world's population identifying with a religion and 83% living in countries where religious freedom is threatened or banned.
  • MP urged Government to designate individuals involved in the Uyghur situation in China under Magnitsky sanctions and to move a Security Council resolution on freedom of religion or belief.
  • Minister reaffirmed Government's commitment to freedom of religion or belief, highlighting progress on implementing recommendations from Bishop of Truro's review and establishing the John Bunyan fund.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP urged the Government to swiftly designate individuals involved in the Uyghur situation in China under Magnitsky sanctions on exceptional grounds. He also requested confirmation that the UK will move a motion for a Security Council resolution on freedom of religion or belief when it holds the presidency in February next year.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rehman Chishti Con Gillingham and Rainham

The lead MP expressed concern about the persecution of Christians globally, noting that according to a Pew Research Center report, 84% of the world's population claim to identify themselves with a religion. He highlighted that 83% of the world's population live in nations where religious freedom is threatened or banned. The MP cited Bishop Philip Mounstephen's review stating that Christianity is the most persecuted religion of modern times and Christians are facing severe persecution across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alexander Stafford Con Bolton West

    Mr Stafford expressed concern over the persecution of Christians worldwide, citing examples from Pakistan and China. He highlighted cases like Maira Shahbaz in Pakistan and the suppression of Christianity by the Chinese Communist Party. Mr Stafford urged the Government to keep up pressure on Pakistan for justice and to work with the Vatican and PRC to legalise Catholic churches.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    The MP highlighted the importance of religious freedom and paid tribute to Mervyn Thomas, former chief executive of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. He discussed a human shield formed by Christians in Egypt's Tahrir Square during 2011 protests as an example of interfaith respect. The MP also addressed the need for speedy implementation of recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's report on religious freedom and urged the Government to appoint a new special envoy, suggesting Jim Shannon as a suitable candidate. He reported cases of persecution against Christians in Uttar Pradesh, India, including 60 incidents in 2019 and 45 by September 2020 despite lockdown measures.

  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Paid tribute to the Member for Gillingham and Rainham for his work as Prime Minister's special envoy for freedom of religion or belief. Highlighted recommendation 7 from Bishop of Truro's report, focusing on early warning monitoring and genocide determination. Asked the Minister to consider an amendment to the Trade Bill regarding the persecution of Christians and freedom of religion or belief.

  • Imran Ahmad Khan

    Mr Khan emphasised the importance of freedom of thought and belief, noting that Christians face severe persecution worldwide. He cited estimates suggesting that one third of the global population experiences religious persecution, with Christians being the most targeted group. He highlighted the link between religious exclusion and extremism in Pakistan and described how state-sponsored media is used to incite hatred against Christians in countries like Iran and Turkey. Mr Khan argued for a global Britain that champions pluralism, tolerance, diversity, and individual liberties.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Congratulates the hon. Member for securing the debate and declares an interest as chair of relevant all-party parliamentary groups. Highlights the importance of the office of special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, urging its appointment by the Prime Minister. Emphasises the need to implement recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's review, particularly regarding FCDO staff training and incorporating civil society evidence in report writing. Expresses concern over religious minorities such as Baha'is, Shias, Hindus, Armenians, Rohingyas, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, Ahmadis, Muslims, and Coptic Christians facing persecution in countries like Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Egypt. Raises the issue of China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Christians, including forced organ harvesting.

  • Lisa Cameron SNP East Kilbride, Strathaven and Hamilton West

    Thanked the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham for his work on freedom of religious belief and highlighted the importance of protecting religious freedoms in Nigeria, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Mr Doughty expressed disappointment over the resignation of the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham as Prime Minister's special envoy without a replacement appointed, highlighting instances of persecution against Christians globally, especially in Nigeria with 50,000 Christians fleeing violence and arbitrary arrests of Christian figures like Professor Solomon Musa Tarfa and Mubarak Bala. He also mentioned the persecution of religious minorities in Myanmar, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, China, and Xinjiang.

  • Taiwo Owatemi Lab Coventry North West

    Ms Owatemi expressed concern about the human rights abuses faced by Christians globally, particularly in countries like Thailand, China, and India. She highlighted that during the pandemic, Christians have been denied access to health assistance, which is unacceptable. She also asked for an update on when the Government will implement the remaining recommendations of the Bishop of Truro's review and requested support for persecuted Christians who are denied food aid or PPE in Bangladesh, India, and the Gulf.

Government Response

Nigel Adams

Reaffirmed the Government's commitment to freedom of religion or belief, highlighting progress on implementing recommendations from the Bishop of Truro's review. Mentioned enhancing religious literacy training for officials and establishing the John Bunyan fund. Emphasised continued work internationally as a founding member of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance. Discussed sanctions regime introduced in July against serious human rights violators, including those oppressing Uyghur population. Addressed concerns raised by Members regarding Nigeria, Pakistan, and Trade Bill.

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