Business of the House

Jim Shannon Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to her constituents, and thank her for raising this important matter. Audiology is a vital part of healthcare in our country. She may wish to apply for a Westminster Hall debate to go into this matter more fully, or raise it at Health oral questions, which will take place on 24 February.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

I thank the Leader of the House for this opportunity to ask a question about Bangladesh. The Chair of the Backbench Business Committee, the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman), has already referred to some of the issues. In the weeks leading up to the February 2026 parliamentary elections, there have been reports of a deterioration in the security situation for religious minorities, and the accuracy of those reports is very clear. Since December last year, at least 51 serious incidents have reportedly been recorded, including murders, arson attacks on homes and places of worship, looting of businesses and cases of torture. The Leader of the House has been very kind in reassuring me, but it is important that those in Bangladesh and those who have asked me about this issue are also reassured, so will he ask the Foreign Secretary what steps the Government will take to raise these concerns with the Bangladeshi authorities, and to ensure that all civilians are protected, regardless of their religious belief?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all. I thank him for raising these important matters, as he invariably does. We condemn all acts of violence targeting religious or ethnic minorities in Bangladesh, and have repeatedly raised the importance of protecting minorities in that country. I will ensure that the Foreign Secretary hears the hon. Gentleman’s concerns and looks at what further steps may be taken.