Press release: Government must uphold religious freedom

Glasgow East MP David Linden has called upon the Government to uphold religious freedom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The call came during a Westminster hall debate discussing the freedom of religion and belief, alongside the 2019 Bishop of Truro report, which outlined recommendations to ensure that religious freedom is observed around the globe.

The Westminster hall debate focused on the implementation of the report’s recommendations, alongside calling for the replacement of the Prime Minister’s special envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief – a post which has remained empty since September.

Challenging the Government in the House of Commons today, Glasgow East MP David Linden said that during this ‘unique moment in history’ the Government must continue to protect the freedom of religion and belief around the world.

Speaking from the House of Commons, David Linden MP said:

"We are now faced with a unique moment in history – between Brexit talks and a pandemic – it is vital that we continue to protect human rights and freedom of religion.

"During a 2019 backbench debate on this very topic I offered my support for the Bishop of Truro’s report and all its recommendations. I remain committed to ensuring that religious freedom is observed around the globe and that the recommendations of the report are implemented to attain this goal.

"I want to ensure that the recommendations of the report are meaningfully implemented and not just a box ticking exercise for the Government.

"Freedom of religion and belief is not just some romantic idea, it is a fundamental human right, one that we should all honour and protect."