Written questions, answers and statements

Religious Freedom

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Question for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

UIN 40493, tabled on 24 March 2025

Question

Rachael Maskell
Labour
York Central
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his EU counterparts on the potential merits of introducing a special envoy on the freedom of religion or belief.

Answer

Stephen Doughty
Labour
Cardiff South and Penarth
Commons

Answered on

9 April 2025

The UK is committed to championing freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all. No one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in.

The appointment of David Smith MP as the UK Special Envoy for FoRB in December 2024 is a clear signal of the UK's ongoing commitment to the promotion of this right around the world. Many of our European partners, including the EU itself, have also appointed envoys focusing on FoRB. The UK Envoy works closely with his international counterparts, including through the Article 18 Alliance, to promote FoRB for all.

Answered by

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
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