Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 April 2024. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Lebanon: Church Schools

Question: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, whether he had discussions with his Lebanese counterpart on the efforts of Christian schools in that country to counter Islamic extremism.

Answer: The UK is committed to defending, promoting and strengthening Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and partnering with Lebanon in the shared fight against terrorism. Since 2016, the UK has provided over £6 million in funding to the Tripoli and Beirut-based MARCH, which promotes social cohesion and combats violent extremism, supporting vulnerable youth to become positive actors in their communities. The Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, and the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP, continue to maintain close relationships with religious leaders across Lebanon.

Secondary information