Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Article 216(3) of the Turkish Penal Code is being used to restrict the freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief of humanists, atheists and other non-religious people; what representations they have made to the Government of Türkiye on this issue; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief, including the right to hold no religious belief, is upheld in Türkiye.

Freedom of religion or belief is a priority for this Government. The right to freedom of religion or belief is enshrined in the Turkish constitution. We continue to urge Turkey to respect religious freedoms, including the right to hold no religious belief, which are essential to the long-term health of Turkish democracy.