Prime Minister Boris Johnson appoints new Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Fiona Bruce, Conservative MP for Congleton, as his Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

In her new role, Fiona will bring together efforts across the UK government with faith actors and civil society to promote religious tolerance abroad.

Fiona will work alongside the Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, to drive forward the implementation of the Bishop of Truro’s recommendations on Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) support for persecuted Christians around the world.

In her new role, Fiona will draw on her wealth of experience from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief to look at how the UK Government can protect and promote this fundamental freedom internationally. She will also work with the members of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to raise awareness of cases of particular concern, advocating for the rights of individuals around the world who are being discriminated against and persecuted for their faith or belief.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“The UK is absolutely committed to protecting the inalienable right to freedom of religion and belief, at home and around the world. As we approach Christmas, the season of peace, people of all faiths and none are still being persecuted for their beliefs. I am delighted to appoint Fiona as my special envoy on this issue, and I know she will be a passionate advocate for tolerance and freedom.”

 Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

“Fiona has been a standard setter for Freedom of Religion or Belief in Parliament, and I look forward to working with her to make sure everyone, everywhere can have and practise a faith, belief, or no religious belief, in accordance with their conscience.

“Acting as a force for good in the world will see the UK continue to promote and defend Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.”

Speaking on her appointment Fiona Bruce said:

“I am honoured to be given this opportunity to serve as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

“I pay tribute to the work of my predecessors, Rehman Chishti MP and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, and hope to build on their dedicated work and that of many Parliamentarians and others in this field, to raise further the profile of this fundamental freedom.

“There is much to do, and I shall place myself at the service of some of the most vulnerable individuals across the world.”

Notes to Editor

Fiona Bruce was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief in December 2020. Fiona became Member of Parliament for Congleton in 2010. Before 2010 Fiona practised as a solicitor, setting up her own business, the law firm Fiona Bruce & Co LLP, based in Cheshire.

Fiona has focused in Parliament on championing individual freedoms and human rights, both in this country and abroad, including the right of religious freedom or belief.

Fiona served on the International Development Select Committee for 4 years and chaired the Parliamentary sub-committee overseeing the Independent Commission on Aid Inspections. She currently sits on the Parliamentary Joint-Committee on Human Rights and is also Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, an appointment made by the then-Prime Minister.

Fiona is also a Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for North Korea and Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief:

• brings together UK efforts to promote religious tolerance abroad, and works on how the UK government can protect and promote this fundamental freedom internationally
• works with the members of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to raise awareness of cases of particular concern, advocating for the rights of people worldwide who are discriminated against or persecuted for their faith or belief
• supports implementing the Bishop of Truro’s recommendations on Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) support for persecuted Christians around the world

The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy undertakes these activities on behalf of, and reports to, the Prime Minister.