House of Commons · Westminster Hall
08 April 2025 · 18 other contributors · 13,610 words
Opened by Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Responding minister: Stephen Doughty
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Ruth Jones raised concerns about persecution of christians in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Advocate on behalf of persecuted Christians and ensure they receive fundamental freedoms that many in democratic societies take for granted.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Around the world, Christians face persecution, torture, killings, job refusals, imprisonments without recourse, and home removals. In 2024, Open Doors reported that almost 5,000 believers worldwide were killed for their faith, with Nigeria leading at over 1,000 deaths. Almost half a million Christians have been forced from their homes into hiding or exile, mostly due to religious extremism and Marxist regimes.
Commended the hon. Member for Newport West and Islwyn for raising this issue and stressed the importance of defending Christian values in British traditions. Emphasised the need for tough action against countries that persecute Christians and highlighted Fiona Bruce's work as Prime Minister’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief.
Highlights how women and girls are disproportionately affected by religious persecution, facing forced marriages, domestic violence, abduction, and disappearance. Requests assurance that the freedom of religious belief remains a priority for UK foreign policy.
The hon. Member agrees that the Christian foundation of British politics gives legitimacy to defend human rights for all religions globally.
Doogan congratulated Smith on his appointment as special envoy for freedom of religion or belief and expressed hope that he would approach the role with alacrity.
Smith discussed his recent appointment as UK special envoy for freedom of religion or belief and highlighted religious persecution in various regions, including Nigeria where militant attacks displaced 6,800 believers. He emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes.
Acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in Palestine, including destruction of sacred sites and cancellation of Christmas celebrations. Emphasised the importance of addressing persecution in all affected regions.
Asked if the complete intolerance of religious persecution should be a prerequisite for ODA funding.
Suggested a concerted effort both domestically and internationally to address religious persecution, specifically for Christians.
Emphasises the historical persecution of Christians since Stephen's martyrdom and mentions specific cases in Iran, where imprisonments have increased from 22 to 96, and Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Reflected on the story of Stephen, highlighting the persecution faced by Christians around the world.
Shannon highlighted the decline of Christian populations in Syria, noting a drop from over 1.5 million before the war to just 300,000 today. He acknowledged significant progress on recommendation 2 from the Bishop of Truro’s report. He supports the idea that persecution and human rights abuse are interconnected, and emphasizes the need to stand up for everyone's freedom of belief regardless of their faith or lack thereof.
Discussed the estimate that 380 million Christians worldwide are subjected to high levels of persecution and discrimination, noting the rise in violence towards Christians globally over many years.
Responded to a constituent's concerns regarding religious persecution, particularly highlighting violence against Christians by Hindu nationalist leaders in India. She urged for a unified voice condemning state enforcement of religion and religious persecution.
Described the persecution of Christians around the world, highlighting that about 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution due to their faith.
Thanked all Members for participating and highlighted the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide, emphasising the need to turn words into action.
States that over 340 million Christians are persecuted globally. Shares a personal experience with a pastor from Nigeria who lost many church members to persecution but continues his work despite the risks, urging the Government to prioritise asylum policies for those fleeing religious persecution.
Questioned what assistance the UK is affording to Nigeria in implementing recommendations from the Human Rights Council's universal periodic review on protecting freedom of religion and belief. Also cautioned against using official development assistance as a political weapon.
Points out that Christians face discrimination, especially in parts of the world moving towards Islamisation. Asks the Minister to prioritise this issue and ensure that aid and foreign affairs policies address Christian persecution worldwide. He highlighted that persecution predates much conflict and pointed out historical examples where Christians were persecuted long before conflicts arose. Urged the Government not to trade or give aid until the Nigerian Government act on protecting Christian communities.
Emphasized the importance of defending Christians who are persecuted, citing examples from Libya where Christians face severe abuse and violence. He also highlighted the counter-cultural stance of Christianity which often leads to persecution.
Government Response
Stephen DoughtyThe Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Welcomed the contributions from Members highlighting persecution of Christians around the world. Acknowledged the new UK special envoy for freedom of religion and belief, David Smith, and his work to protect persecuted Christians. Discussed the UK Government's commitment to human rights in various countries, including Syria, China, Iraq, Algeria, Libya, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Sudan, and Iran. Emphasised continuous efforts through diplomatic channels and collaboration with organisations like Open Doors.