Stafford MP, Jeremy Lefroy has urged Foreign Office and DFID ministers to raise the issue of religious freedom at every possible opportunity, particularly in countries where people are persecuted for their faith—or lack of it.
Jeremy’s call came during Foreign Office Question’s in the House of Commons.
Responding, now former Foreign Office Minister, Rory Stewart MP agreed to do so saying: “Religious freedom is critical, and particularly critical in a world in which religious and sectarian violence appears to be increasingly dominant. We must advocate religious freedom, and we do so also through Department for International Development support to civil society organisations.”
Speaking after the exchange, Jeremy said: “In recent years have seen a rising tide of restrictions on freedom of religion or belief. Christians, Baha’is, Shias, Sunnis and Alawites, Hindus, Sikhs, atheists, and many others have fallen victim to a new sectarianism that is breaking out across continents. I therefore welcome the British Government’s continued support for the right of people of all religions, and non-religious people, to practise and talk about their beliefs in peace and safety.”