Oral Answers to Questions

Alexander Stafford Excerpts

Thursday 22nd July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

What assessment the Church of England has made of trends in the level of persecution of people for their religion or belief in 2021.

[Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)]

What assessment the Church of England has made of trends in the level of persecution of people for their religion or belief in 2021.

[Jacob Young (Redcar) (Con)]

What assessment the Church of England has made of trends in the level of persecution of people for their religion or belief in 2021.

--- Later in debate ---

[Andrew Selous]

My right hon. Friend is right about the reports that keep coming out of India. The Church is pressing the Government to see India as a country of particular concern where targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom may be needed. Overseas development assistance should be used to advance the human rights of people of all faiths in India.

[Alexander Stafford]

My hon. Friend will be aware of the terrible conflict currently raging in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. There have been disturbing reports of violence against Christians and shocking allegations that priests and nuns have been attacked and killed. What is the Church doing to help ensure that Christians are protected in Tigray and that Ethiopia’s religious diversity is safeguarded?

[Andrew Selous]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right that the situation in Tigray is truly desperate. Both churches and mosques are being attacked and looted and, in some cases, their worshippers killed. Our bishops have raised their concerns forcefully with the Ethiopian ambassador and have asked our Ministers to relay their concerns to the newly elected Ethiopian Government.