Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Monday, 13 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made regarding abuses of human rights against Muslims who choose to convert to another faith; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made regarding abuses of human rights against Muslims who choose to convert to another faith; and if he will make a statement. [189301] Mr. Rammell: The Government condemn instances where individuals are persecuted because of their faith or belief, wherever these happen and whatever the religion of the individual or group concerned. We are concerned about the plight of apostates throughout the world including those Muslims who are punished for choosing to convert to another faith. Both bilaterally and with our EU partners we regularly raise specific cases of religious persecution with the Governments concerned. Over the past year we have formally raised the treatment of religious minorities with both the Pakistani and Bangladesh Governments. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Panel on Religious Freedom, which brings together representatives from all of the faith communities in the UK, has also discussed the issue of apostasy.

Secondary information