Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, spoke yesterday at the committee for the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill.
The right to adopt, practice, share and change one’s faith or belief is a freedom everyone should be able to enjoy. As a protected human right, the UK government is committed to defending the freedom of religion or belief for all and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities around the world.
Since 2020, at the discretion of the Prime Minister, there has been a ‘Special Envoy’ specifically assigned to Freedom of Religion or Belief. They focus on how the UK Government can advocate for those persecuted for their faith or belief, protect and promote religious tolerance abroad, and support the Bishop of Truro’s recommendations on supporting persecuted Christians around the world.
The role of Special Envoy has been held by Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton, since 2020, but the role is not required to be filled. The ‘International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill’, introduced in October 2023, would require by law that a Special Envoy will continue to be appointed. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Secretary David Cameron both support the bill.
Nusrat Ghani said:
“I am delighted to be delivering the International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill, and wholeheartedly support the work of the Special Envoy. I have worked closely with current Envoy Fiona Bruce and Deputy David Burrowes on key issues regarding freedoms of religion or belief, such as highlighting and preventing the persecution of Christians and minorities overseas, and of Uyghur Muslims at the hands of Chinese communist party. This legislation will ensure the role of Special Envoy will continue to get the support and recognition it needs to work internationally, for people who are prevented from expressing their faith or belief.”
