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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 10 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 February 2025. It was answered by Catherine West (Labour) on Friday, 14 February 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

China: Falun Gong

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help tackle (a) propaganda, (b) disinformation, (c) persecution and (d) other forms of transnational repression by the Chinese Communist Party against Falun Gong practitioners.

Answer

Within China, the environment for freedom of religion or belief is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This government will work to uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief for all abroad, for example through bilateral engagement. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Chancellor all raised human rights recently with their counterparts.

Within the UK, attempts by foreign governments to intimidate, harass, or harm our residents will not be tolerated. We have a broad suite of powers available to counter this threat, and we continue to implement measures in the National Security Act 2023, which make the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
30114
Session
2024-26
Subjects
China Oppression Falun Gong
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk