Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Covid-19: Freedom of Religion or Belief

26 November 2020 · 5 other contributors · 12,402 words

Opened by Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

Responding minister: Nigel Adams

Foreign AffairsReligion & Faith

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Fiona Bruce raised concerns about covid-19: freedom of religion or belief in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP highlighted plight of religious minorities during the covid-19 pandemic, citing increased discrimination, violence, and denial of aid in multiple countries.
  • MP urged the Government to address international partners on combating disinformation and ensuring access to justice for religious communities.
  • MP asked the Government to take into account the needs of religious minorities during emergencies and to reflect on the Bishop of Truro's report recommendation.

Key requests to Government

The MP asked the Government to reflect on recommendation 21 of the Bishop of Truro's report, which highlights the importance of recognising the negative consequences of being 'religion-blind'. She urged the Minister to address international partners about combating disinformation, ensuring access to justice, accountability for attacks on religious communities, and taking into account the needs of religious minorities during emergencies.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

The MP highlighted the plight of religious minorities during the covid-19 pandemic, citing increased discrimination, violence, and denial of aid. She mentioned specific cases in Somalia, India, Iraq, Pakistan, China, Sudan, Eritrea, North Korea, and Nigeria, where minority groups faced persecution or were denied essential services. The MP also noted issues such as forced conversion for food distribution and the intensification of religious surveillance under the pretext of tackling the virus.

Other contributors (5)
  • Andrew Selous Con Hereford and South Worcestershire

    Andrew Selous highlighted the worsening situation of religious persecution globally, mentioning specific instances in China, India, Nigeria, and Hong Kong. He cited statistics from Open Doors' 2020 World Watch List, noting that more than 5,500 churches have been destroyed or closed down in China alone since 2018. Has there been any progress in identifying the individuals concerned, to whom Magnitsky sanctions will apply in North Korea?

  • Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire

    Mr Kruger discussed the importance of faith groups in reaching the poorest during crises and countering misinformation about vaccination programmes. He highlighted the persecution of Christians in Iraq following the 2003 invasion and emphasised the need for religious literacy when working with faith communities to combat disinformation. Mr Kruger also criticised the closure of churches under lockdown measures, suggesting that it was unconstitutional as per Magna Carta.

  • David Linden SNP Glasgow East

    Mr Linden praised the work of NGOs like Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Open Doors for supporting persecuted religious minorities during the pandemic. He highlighted specific cases in Iran, Sudan, China, Laos, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Rohingya refugee camps, raising concerns about discrimination against minority communities receiving aid or being incarcerated for questioning virus information. David agrees with Imran's views, noting that religious gatherings can still occur through digital means such as Zoom calls or telephone conversations. He quotes scripture to reinforce the idea that spiritual presence is not bound by physical locations. The Minister is fed up with hearing 'in due course' and wants a commitment that the appointment will be made before Christmas. Moves to cut ODA could be detrimental to Britain's soft power and should reconsidered given global difficulties.

  • Imran Ahmad Khan Lab Morden and Mitcham

    The covid-19 pandemic has altered religious practices, making online gatherings more accessible. However, Imran is relieved that in the three-tier system, it will not be a criminal offence to gather for worship after the current lockdown ends on December 2nd. He acknowledges that while access to places of worship is restricted temporarily, freedom of religion remains intact and protected. Asks if upstream conflict prevention is included in the FCDO's core areas of funding, considering its cost-efficiency and security benefits.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Discussed the impact of the Chancellor's decision to break the Conservative manifesto promise on international aid, focusing on its effect on religious freedoms and human rights work. He criticized the abolition of the Department for International Development and expressed disappointment with the Government's stance on freedom of religion or belief. Mentioned severe consequences in South Sudan and Ethiopia due to funding cuts. Highlighted issues such as blasphemy laws being manipulated in other countries, persecution of minorities like Uyghur Muslims, Christians, and Hindus in China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, and attacks on non-religious individuals. Organisations working on crucial issues want granular detail on funding for critical programmes, requesting confirmation of funding details from the Minister. Criticises the Government for breaking cross-party consensus on overseas development aid commitments.

Government Response

Nigel Adams

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship today, Mr Rosindell. I congratulate the hon. Member for Glasgow East and my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton on securing this debate, and I commend them for their long-term commitment to freedom of religion or belief. Freedom of religion or belief is a long-standing priority for this Government, with Lord Ahmad continuing to champion the cause as Minister for human rights at the FCDO. The pandemic has brought out both positive examples of religious communities' support and negative instances of increased hate speech and discrimination against minorities. We remain committed to addressing these issues through diplomacy and multilateral engagement, such as advocating for respect for freedom of religion or belief in the UN. Specific concerns raised include the situation in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, North Korea, India, Sudan, Iran, China (Uyghur population), and the reduction of the development assistance budget from 0.7% to 0.5%. We are working on two programmes: one with minority groups in Africa and Asia through the Institute of Development Studies project, and another reducing language that intimidates minority religious groups during elections with the University of Oxford. The FCDO continues to monitor human rights issues around the world, raising concerns directly with relevant authorities and providing humanitarian support where necessary.

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