The Prime Minister has appointed a former MP to a senior role to promote the freedom of religion or belief around the world.
David Burrowes, who was MP for Enfield Southgate for 12 years until 2017 has been appointed Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.
He'll work with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy, Fiona Bruce MP, to promote religious tolerance, bringing together faith representatives, faith organisations and civil society stakeholders from around the world.
Mr Burrowes, who is also the co-founder and Parliamentary Director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship, will also work alongside the Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon.
Part of his remit will be to drive forward the implementation of the Bishop of Truro’s 2019 recommendations on Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) support for persecuted Christians around the world. It made 22 recommendations with a 3 year target for their implementation.
Speaking about his appointment, the 52 year old who, since 2017 has been the Parliamentary Adviser to Fiona Bruce MP, said :
“I am delighted to be appointed to this role. This is an exciting opportunity to help fully implement the Truro Review’s recommendations.
“Through my work, I will ensure that the UK Government will continue to work hand in hand with key international partners to champion freedom of religion or belief across the world.”
Fiona Bruce MP, said:
“Freedom of religion or belief is a universal human right but millions of people around the world are still denied it. That’s why the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all.
"David brings a wealth of experience, passion and expertise in advocating for freedom of religion or belief over many years and his appointment is a signal of the UK’s continuing determination to address this critical issue.”
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, FCDO Minister for Human Rights, said:
“I wholeheartedly welcome David Burrowes’ appointment as the Prime Minister’s Deputy Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Mr Burrowes’ staunch commitment to advocating for everyone persecuted for their faith or belief is truly inspiring.
I look forward to David supporting the positive work on this important agenda for the UK Government.”
This Summer, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is to host an international ministerial conference in London to drive collective action in promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities around the world.