News by email Donate

Suggestions

banner2024-10-09T152231Z_86659081_RC23HAAZR1D0_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-JORDAN-BRITAIN.JPG
REUTERS
2024-10-09T152231Z_86659081_RC23HAAZR1D0_RTRMADP_3_ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-JORDAN-BRITAIN.JPG
REUTERS
UK News

Outrage mounts over Labour's failure to replace freedom of religion envoy

by Lydia Davies

The UK government is facing criticism from Christian charities for failing to prioritise religious freedom, particularly in the absence of a replacement for Fiona Bruce as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).

Bruce stepped down from the role after losing her parliamentary seat in the July election, and her position has yet to be filled.

Mervyn Thomas, president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, expressed frustration over the delay, telling The Tablet: "We’ve been urging David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to treat this as a matter of urgency, but it hasn’t happened yet. It’s extremely disappointing, and we’re losing momentum."

Religious freedom advocates, including members of the UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum, have called on Lammy to prioritise the appointment.

They argue that without a dedicated envoy, the UK risks losing influence in promoting religious freedom on the global stage.

In an open letter, Aid to the Church in Need urged the government to include religious minorities as a fifth priority in its international development plan and to create a dedicated strategy for addressing religious persecution.

John Pontifex, ACN’s head of press and public affairs, emphasised that ignoring religious hatred as a driver of poverty, joblessness, and violence is a missed opportunity for the UK to lead in tackling global injustices.

He told the outlet: “By making religious minorities target beneficiaries of ODA, the UK can play a significant role in alleviating the suffering of countless innocent people persecuted for their faith."

The lack of a special envoy at last week’s 2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Berlin also raised concerns. Anglican Bishop of Winchester Philip Mounstephen warned that the UK risks “losing hard-earned traction” in promoting FoRB.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) responded by stating that it continues to use its diplomatic network and international platforms to protect religious freedom globally.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate