Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for freedom of speech of the arrest of Christian street preacher Oluwole Ilesanmi.

The Government does not prevent individuals from following their religious beliefs or cultural traditions provided they do so within the law. The diversity of modern Britain is one of our strengths and many British people of different faiths follow religious codes and practices.

The right to freedom of expression is a vital part of a democratic society. It is a long-standing tradition in this country that people are free to share their views with others.

Decisions on arrests are an operational matter for the police working within the provisions of the legal framework set by Parliament.