It is my firm belief 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.
Freedom of religion is enshrined in UK legislation. The Human Rights Act explicitly protects religious freedom. Article 9, states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”
I know that the Government is wholeheartedly committed to creating a stronger and more integrated society in which hatred and prejudice are not tolerated, and in which all people are free to express their religious identity and live without fear of harassment and crime because of it.
The UK rightly takes its role seriously as a champion of religious freedom across the world. I was proud to see the UK host a global summit on religious freedom or belief in 2022 which sought 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.