Written question asked by Laura Smith (Labour) on Friday, 4 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 October 2019. It was answered by Heather Wheeler (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 October 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Christianity: Oppression

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will have discussions with his counterparts in (a) the G20 and (b) the G7 on tackling persecution of Christians overseas.

Answer: Over recent months, the UK has raised Freedom of Religion or Belief concerns, including the worldwide persecution of Christians, bilaterally and through multilateral institutions such as the UN, EU and OSCE. At the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in April, we discussed our concerns on the resurgent forms of racism, and discrimination that includes the targeting of Christian minorities. We reaffirmed our dedication to uphold the rights of all to hold and manifest their religion or belief, both privately and in public. We will consider whether to raise our concerns in subsequent G7 and G20 Foreign Ministers' meetings.

Secondary information