Freedom of Religion or Belief: UK Foreign Policy

Commemorated the work of Fiona Bruce and highlighted the importance of upholding religious freedom around the world, questioning whether the UK is truly using its influence to lead on this issue. Supports John Slinger's point and urges the minister to take note of the case highlighted.

She highlighted the grave situation facing Christian communities in Syria following recent attacks, expressing concern about the consistency of diplomatic pressure in priority countries.

Acknowledged lobbying efforts in Laos for religious freedom rights, discussed programme funding safety, and highlighted UK’s role in international human rights alliances.

Asked Markus Campbell-Savours about the impact of cuts to official development assistance on promoting religious freedom abroad.

The hon. Gentleman acknowledges the deputation to Nigeria that went through the APPG for international freedom of religion or belief and contributed to Mubarak Bala’s release. Expressed appreciation for the role of religion in foreign policy, highlighted the importance of providing information to local churches, and thanked the Minister for her support of Christians in Sudan. Agreed with the importance of standing alongside religious communities in difficult regions, especially during times when Daesh was active. Emphasized that defending FORB does not favour one faith over another but upholds the dignity of every individual's beliefs.

The envoy is at the centre of a web of relationships with people in this country who champion input and enthusiasms of constituents, such as Merv Thomas, president and founder of Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Asked whether the UK Government must strengthen places like Erbil within Iraq that offer safety to Christians and other religious communities. Highlights a case of Mehran Shamloui, a Christian detained in Iran after fleeing for his faith. Emphasises the need to focus on such cases. Visited the Yazidi holiest temple, commending the Kurdistan Regional Government's efforts to rescue abducted individuals.

Religious persecution is a global issue threatening fundamental rights. In Morecambe and Lunesdale, over 40 churches reflect freedom of belief, but this freedom is not universal; in places like India and Iran, people face severe restrictions and state-permitted persecution.

Shared personal reflections on his Christian faith and heritage, highlighting the historical example of Thorgeir of Lightwater who promoted religious freedom in Iceland.

He expressed deep concern about the growing threat to human rights internationally, noting that religious minorities face harassment, discrimination and persecution in many countries. He urged the Government to take a more active approach in driving real progress on rights and freedoms.

Praised David Smith for his appointment as envoy and acknowledged cross-party consensus on the importance of freedom of religion or belief, highlighting the need to integrate FORB across all foreign policy conversations. The Member emphasised the need to recognise the emotional and psychological needs of marginalised communities and provided examples from around the world where assistance was given to enable people to live their faith.

Asked about the situation in Xinjiang, noting more than 1 million Muslim Uyghurs in prison camps and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that products made there do not reach UK high streets.

Sir Jeremy Hunt thanked David Smith for his work as religious freedom envoy, stating that foreign policy has not done enough on freedom of religion or belief due to political correctness. He agreed that countries eroding religious freedoms often erode other freedoms as well.