I am sorry that I was not able to attend the International Ministerial for freedom of religion or belief in July this year. However, I would like to assure you that I firmly believe that people of every faith and none should be able to enjoy the same freedoms and equal treatment so that they can practice their religion and live by their principles. Our country’s history is a story of growing liberty, from Magna Carta through to today’s ongoing fight against extremism in all its forms, and I can assure you that religious freedom is safe in modern Britain.
It is troubling to hear about the ongoing persecution of individuals across the world because of their faith and I know that the Government rightly takes its role seriously as a champion of religious freedom across the world. I was proud to see the UK host this summit to drive collective action to promote these values globally. Additionally, International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day is observed by the diplomatic network, and humanitarian aid to promote religious freedom has been issued via the Magna Carta Fund for Human Rights and Democracy.