Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Christian street preachers have been (1) arrested and questioned, (2) charged with an offence, and (3) convicted, in each year from 2010; why Christian preaching in public may be deemed offensive; whether similar measures are applied to other religions; and if so, whether they will provide comparable statistics.

The Home Office does not hold information on arrests and convictions in relation to Christian or other religious preachers.

We have a proud history in this country of allowing free speech. Speakers must stay within the law and the police have comprehensive powers to take action against those who glorify terrorism or stir up hatred on the grounds of race, religion or sexual orientation. The right to free speech must be balanced with the right of others to not be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

The law provides equal protection for all ethnic and religious groups, and applies to crimes that are committed both offline and online, including through social media.