MPs highlighted the fundamental importance of religious freedom during a Westminster Hall debate on Thursday October 25.

Organised by DUP MP Jim Shannon, the debate gave MPs from across the House of Commons an opportunity to mark the forthcoming International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day 2018, which takes place on Saturday October 27.

During the debate, the issue of religious illiteracy was raised on more than one occasion, as well as the all too prevalent persecution of religious groups around the world.

Jeremy Lefroy MP called upon religious leaders in the UK to stand in solidarity with all religious groups around the world, whenever they are persecuted.

Mention was also made of the latest statistics on hate crime in England and Wales where there has been an increase of 40 per cent in religious hate crime in 2017/18 in comparison with the previous year.

Fiona Bruce MP praised the recent Ashers bakery judgement by the Supreme Court, noting that no-one should be forced to express something that is contrary to their genuinely held religious beliefs. But also raised concerns that the case ever reached the Supreme Court, asking why the courts did not uphold the vital freedom of expression earlier in the process.

Responding to the debate, the Minister said: “The UK Government remain absolutely convinced of the key importance of freedom of religion or belief, not just because it is a basic human right, but because it goes hand in hand with all the other rights and democratic freedoms that make up the foundations of a fair, stable and successful society.”

CARE is committed to upholding freedom of religion and belief in the UK. For more on what we do to advocate for these freedoms, see here.