Open Doors Campaign on Non-Violent Persecution of Christians

Thank you for contacting me about the Open Doors campaign on non-violent persecution of Christians.

I am appalled by the persecution of all those around the world who seek only to practise their beliefs in peace and safety. Here in the West those freedoms are all too often taken for granted.

I am pleased to say that this is an issue upon which there is much Parliamentary consensus, and that within Government, much cross-departmental work is being done on these issues. The UK's project work overseas is an important part of this effort to promote and protect religious freedoms. During this tax year, the Government is spending £758,000 on freedom of religion projects worldwide, including in Pakistan and Iraq.

One project is helping to develop lesson plans for secondary school teachers in the Middle East and North Africa. The aim is to teach children about religious tolerance, religious acceptance, and the absolute right to freedom of religion or belief. I strongly believe that teaching children in that way is a vital part of promoting tolerance and respect at grassroots level and of helping to build future resilience against extremism.
The UK Government remains determined to promote and defend human rights more generally.

UK activity is both multilateral, through institutions such as the UN, striving to build and maintain consensus, and bilateral, though the UK's diplomatic network.

Thank you also for drawing to my attention the Open Doors event on 17th January. I have attended similar events in the past I am afraid I am not able to commit to attending the event at this stage due to other parliamentary business.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.