Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of church closures without provision for an alternative place of worship in Turkey; and if he will make representations to his Turkish counterpart on those closures.

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for the FCDO. It is a fundamental right that we regularly discuss with the Turkish authorities. The Turkish government has repeatedly stated its support for the operation of churches and the religious houses of all faiths in Türkiye. In our engagement with Türkiye, we will continue to engage on these issues and to urge respect for religious freedoms, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.