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Religious Freedom

Asked by Charlie MaynardLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 30 June 2025UIN 59648

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what resources he plans to provide to the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The appointment of David Smith MP as UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is a clear signal of the value placed by the UK on championing FoRB for all around the world.

The Envoy David works closely with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers in promoting FoRB and regularly meets with Lord Collins as the Minister for Human Rights on the issue. I met with the Envoy on 6 May to discuss his work. He is supported in his work by the FCDO FoRB team and other officials across the organisation.

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