Prime Minister Theresa May stated in Parliament on 18 July 2018 that the UK government stands with persecuted Christians “all over the world”.
Conservative MP Chris Philp (Croydon South) enquired during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House of Commons whether the Prime Minister shared his concern at the “rising tide of persecution and violence” faced by Christians around the world.
He specifically highlighted the murder of Sunil Saleem in Lahore, Pakistan in March 2018. Sunil stood up for his pregnant sister when a nurse refused to allow her to be seen by a doctor and was later beaten to death by hospital staff.
Chris Philp also added, “In this country we rightly protect religious freedoms. Will my Right Honourable Friend step up efforts to get other countries to similarly respect religious freedoms?”
Image source: EU2017EE
Theresa May responded, “As a Government we stand with persecuted Christians all over the world and will continue to support them. It is hard to comprehend that today we still see people being attacked and murdered because of their Christianity, but we must reaffirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions and beliefs and for them to be able to practise their beliefs in peace and security.”
Highlighting the appointment of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon as the government’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, she stated that he will be “working with other countries to encourage them to recognise the importance of allowing people to have the freedom to practise their religion and beliefs in peace and security”.
