Speaking during an Urgent Question in the House of Commons today on planned reforms to Hong Kong’s electoral system by the Chinese National People’s Congress, Fiona Bruce MP asked
"What assessment has the Foreign Secretary made of the impact of the national security law and the further dismantling of human rights in Hong Kong on freedom of religion or belief, particularly in the light of the raid on Good Neighbour North District Church, the freezing of its bank account, and the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong’s instructions to clergy to be careful in their sermons? What implications does the proposed national security education curriculum have for FORB in faith schools there?"
Responding on behalf of the Government, Minister for Asia, Nigel Adams MP, said
"I pay tribute to my Honourable Friend for her work as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. We are deeply concerned about the issues that she has raised, and about the severity and scale of violations and the abuses of freedom of religion or belief in many parts of the world, including China. Religious intolerance and persecution are often at the heart of foreign and development policy challenges. Where freedom of religion or belief is under attack, other human rights are often threatened too, as she knows full well. The prosperity of Hong Kong and the way of life relies on respect for those fundamental freedoms. We are committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for everyone."
The full response to this Urgent Question can be read here.