Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to encourage Heads of Mission and Department for International Development country heads to develop country-specific strategies and programmes to protect Christians and advance the right to freedom of religion or belief.

As the Prime Minister's Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, I encourage all Heads of Mission to develop strategies and programmes to protect and promote Freedom of Religion or Belief where it is under threat. We work with posts to develop strategies and programmes which promote Freedom of Religion and Belief, including strengthening the work of civil society organisations. The Foreign Secretary has commissioned an independent, global review into Christian persecution, which will make recommendations on the additional practical steps the government can take to support persecuted Christians. The Review is due to deliver an interim report by Easter 2019.