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1125136

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Xinjiang: Mosques
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations his Department has made to the Chinese Government on the demolition of Islamic religious sites in Xinjiang in China.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251293
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>We are aware of, and concerned by, reports of mosques, shrines, and other places of worship in Xinjiang being targeted by Chinese authorities. While we do not have an accurate measure on what proportion of mosques are being destroyed, available evidence, including that recently presented in the Guardian newspaper following a joint Guardian/Bellingcat investigation, suggests that it is significant. British diplomats in China visit Xinjiang every few months in order to see at first-hand the situation there. Their observations have supported much of the recent open source reporting about the restrictions targeted at specific ethnic and religious groups.</p><p>We regularly raise our serious concerns about the situation in Xinjiang with the Chinese authorities at senior levels, and will continue to do so. At the 40<sup>th</sup> session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Lord Ahmad, raised our concerns during his opening address on 25 February. The UK also spoke about Xinjiang during our “Item 4” national statement on 12 March, and co-sponsored and spoke at a side event on Xinjiang, which helped to raise awareness of the situation among the international community. The Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, raised our concerns about Xinjiang with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his last visit to China in July 2018. I, also raised our concerns with Vice Minister Guo Yezhou during his visit to China on 22 July 2018. Our Embassy in Beijing also regularly raises our concerns with the Chinese authorities.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 10:53:32 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125116

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Christianity: Oppression
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to help extend protections for Christians from persecution internationally.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251280
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is committed to using our influence to defend Freedom of Religion or Belief as a universal human right which should be enjoyed by everyone. That is why the Prime Minister appointed Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon as her Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Lord Ahmad regularly raises this topic with his international counterparts and through the Human Rights Council. In recent years we have seen reports of a particular rise in the persecution of Christians. The Foreign Secretary launched the independent review of FCO support for persecuted Christians on 30 January. The Review is led by the Bishop of Truro. It will map levels of persecution and discrimination against Christians around the world, and provide robust recommendations on how the FCO can respond. The Bishop has now submitted his interim report and will submit his final report in Summer. ​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 08:53:23 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125131

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Chinese Government on the arrest of over 100 members of the Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu on 9 December 2018.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251289
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned about developing restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in China. This includes reports that authorities are tightening control over how certain religions are practiced, including Christianity. The freedom to practise, change or share ones faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.</p><p>We are aware of credible reports of the closure or demolition of unregistered churches in some areas of China, including the Early Rain Covenant Church and the arrest and detention of its Pastor Wang Yi. British diplomats met with Chinese officials in January and expressed concerns on the pressures facing Christians and directly raised Pastor Wang’s case. Also in January, Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, raised concerns about the case in the House of Lords.</p><p>We are also concerned by reports that individuals are being harassed or detained for their beliefs across China, and that new guidelines on religion may restrict lawful and peaceful observance. There is also evidence to suggest restrictions on sales of Bibles by unauthorised sellers are in place.</p><p>The Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has asked the Bishop of Truro to review what the Foreign and Commonweatlh Office (FCO) can do to better support persecuted Christians worldwide, including in China. The Review will map levels of persecution and discrimination against Christians around the world; assess the impact of the FCO’s current and recent support; and make recommendations. At the publication of the Bishop’s interim report, the Foreign Secretary said “I look forward to seeing the Bishop’s final report in the summer, and identifying further specific steps the FCO can take to do more to address the fate of persecuted Christians around the world.”</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 08:27:07 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125130

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	China: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the accuracy of reports of the (a) repression of Christians (b) arrest of Pastor Wang Yi, (c) installation of surveillance equipment in churches, (d) destruction of churches, (e) eviction of congregations and (f) banning of the sale of the Bible online in the People’s Republic of China.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251288
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>We are concerned about developing restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in China. This includes reports that authorities are tightening control over how certain religions are practiced, including Christianity. The freedom to practise, change or share ones faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.</p><p>We are aware of credible reports of the closure or demolition of unregistered churches in some areas of China, including the Early Rain Covenant Church and the arrest and detention of its Pastor Wang Yi. British diplomats met with Chinese officials in January and expressed concerns on the pressures facing Christians and directly raised Pastor Wang’s case. Also in January, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Freedom of Religion or Belief, raised concerns about the case in the House of Lords.</p><p>We are also concerned by reports that individuals are being harassed or detained for their beliefs across China, and that new guidelines on religion may restrict lawful and peaceful observance. There is also evidence to suggest restrictions on sales of Bibles by unauthorised sellers are in place.</p><p>The Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has asked the Bishop of Truro to review what the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) can do to better support persecuted Christians worldwide, including in China. The Review will map levels of persecution and discrimination against Christians around the world; assess the impact of the FCO’s current and recent support; and make recommendations. At the publication of the Bishop’s interim report, the Foreign Secretary said “I look forward to seeing the Bishop’s final report in the summer, and identifying further specific steps the FCO can take to do more to address the fate of persecuted Christians around the world.”</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 08:24:23 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125128

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Educational Institutions
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on laws and legislation to close (a) foreign institutions and (b) Christian-led schools.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251286
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251284 251285 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125127

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Religious Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, with reference to reports by Open Doors UK, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on anti-conversion laws in eight Indian states.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251285
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251284 251286 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1125126

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	India: Christianity
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the safety of Christians in India during the current elections from reported actions by (a) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and (b) other Hindu nationalist groups.
	tabling member constituency	West Ham
	tabling member printed	Lyn Brown
	uin	251284
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>India has a strong democratic framework and constitutionally enshrined protections for freedom of religious belief. However it faces numerous challenges enforcing these, including for some Christians and other religious minorities, due to its size and social and economic development. We maintain a continuous assessment of the human rights situation across India. The situation for Christians is varied depending on location, socio-economic background, and the proportion of religious minorities.</p><p>We engage with India on the full range of human rights matters, both bilaterally and through the EU. We work with Union and State Governments, and with non-governmental organisations, to build capacity and share expertise to promote human rights for all. We have raised Christian persecution with the Indian Government. Most recently, on 25 March 2019, the British High Commission highlighted the importance of tackling Christian persecution with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.</p><p>The British High Commission in New Delhi, and our Deputy High Commissions across India, also run projects promoting minority rights and regularly meet with religious representatives. Most recently, the High Commissioner met senior Christian leaders on 2 and 17 April, and the Chair of the National Human Rights Commission on 25 April, to discuss the situation for Christians across India​</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field grouped question UIN 251285 251286 question first answered 15/05/2019 06:28:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	1583 label Biography information for Ms Lyn Brown

1124988

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Afghanistan: Religious Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the level of threat to the (a) Hindu and (b) Christian communities in Afghanistan.
	tabling member constituency	Warley
	tabling member printed	John Spellar
	uin	251207
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/05/2019 answer text <p>Security Forces are committed to tackling this threat. As part of NATO's Resolute Support Mission, the UK supports the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in its efforts to improve security for all communities.</p><p>Ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, such as the Christian, Sikh and Hindu communities, continue to face challenges. We regularly raise human rights issues with the Government of Afghanistan, including the need to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in line with the constitution. The UK condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeting of innocent people based on their beliefs. Last year, I publicly condemned the 1 July attack on a group of Sikhs and Hindus in Jalalabad as &quot;a despicable attack on Afghanistan's historic Sikh and Hindu community&quot;.</p> answering member constituency Cities of London and Westminster answering member printed Mark Field question first answered 15/05/2019 06:23:46 answering member 1405 label Biography information for Mark Field
	tabling member	318 label Biography information for John Spellar

1125232

	registered interest
	date	08/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Yemen: Military Intervention
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if his Department will take steps to establish an independent investigation into the bombing of a de-conflicted hospital in Kitaf, Yemen on 26 March 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Birmingham, Northfield
	tabling member printed	Richard Burden
	uin	251887
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/05/2019 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned of reports of an alleged airstrike on a petrol station at a hospital facility on 26 March 2019. UK officials have been in contact with Save the Children, who fund the hospital, about this alleged incident and have raised this matter with the Saudi-led Coalition, who have announced an investigation.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 14/05/2019 15:36:59 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	301 label Biography information for Richard Burden

1125008

	registered interest
	date	07/05/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Yemen: Military Intervention
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether his Department has received confirmation that Saudi Arabia will investigate the bomb attack that damaged a Save the Children-supported hospital in Kitaf, Yemen on 26 March 2019.
	tabling member constituency	Swansea West
	tabling member printed	Geraint Davies
	uin	251194
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 14/05/2019 answer text <p>We are deeply concerned of reports of an alleged airstrike on a petrol station at a hospital facility on 26 March 2019. UK officials have been in contact with Save the Children, who fund the hospital, about this alleged incident and have raised this matter with the Saudi-led Coalition, who have announced an investigation.</p> answering member constituency South West Wiltshire answering member printed Dr Andrew Murrison question first answered 14/05/2019 15:32:31 answering member 1466 label Biography information for Dr Andrew Murrison
	tabling member	155 label Biography information for Geraint Davies