Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 9 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


China: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new 'Patriotic Education Law' in China on freedom of religion or belief, particularly for teachers in religious institutions.

Answer

The environment for freedom of religion or belief in China is restrictive, including in relation to religious teaching. This Government stands firm on human rights, and we raise our concerns at the highest levels. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor and Energy Secretary have all raised human rights in recent months with their counterparts (President Xi, Foreign Minister Wang, Vice Premier He and Vice Premier Ding respectively).

This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all around the world. We work to uphold those rights through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora. We continue to monitor the situation for religious teaching in China, and maintain a dialogue with NGOs and international partners on the issue.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15305
Session
2024-26
Related items
China: Religious Freedom
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
China Teachers Religion Religious freedom
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk