The government will focus its Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) protection efforts in ten countries, according to special envoy David Smith.

The MP for North Northumberland told reporters he would focus on a five-fold approach, in a briefing at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Tuesday.

“I will be focusing on countries where the need is greatest; where opportunities exist to make positive change; and where the UK, specifically, has the relationships and partnerships to help achieve this,” he told Religion Media Centre.

The countries include Vietnam, Algeria, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iraq

All countries rank on the Open Doors' World Watch List for anti-Christian persecution, apart from Ukraine.

The first ‘strand’ of the new approach is to maintain support for international standards by working alongside international bodies, such as the UN and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Secondly, the government will prioritise “targeted bilateral relationships”, meaning diplomats will work directly with foreign governments to free those imprisoned for their religious views.

Smith vowed to “strengthen coalitions” and, fourthly, to incorporate freedom of religion or belief into the Foreign Office’s regular work, forming a “holistic human rights approach”.

Finally, the government would prioritise working with “civil society”.

“From sharing information to fostering understanding and respect between different religion or belief communities on the ground, your engagement is central to the protection and promotion of FoRB,” Smith told the gathering, which included those in the civil sector.

Last year, the government reported two success stories: Cuban Christian pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, who was released from prison earlier this year after being detained following a peaceful protest; and Nigerian atheist Mubarak Bala, who was released from prison after a long-running campaign by Humanists International and the government.