Falun Gong practitioners have been persecuted since at least 1999 when the Chinese government outlawed the movement. Since then, the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners has been debated in both Houses in the UK on various occasions. Meanwhile, the Home Office published a report in November 2023 which details and recognises the state repression and persecution Falun Gong practitioners have experienced in China.
On behalf of constituents in Edgbaston who recently raised concerns with Preet about the treatment of the Falun Gong in China, Preet asked the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether he has had recent discussions with his counterparts in China on the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.
In response, the government said,
'We remain deeply concerned about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. The environment for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.
The British government works with international organisations and networks to promote and protect the freedom of religion or belief for all where it is threatened, including through the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance.
The Foreign Secretary set out his concerns about human rights violations in China during his introductory call with China's Foreign Minister on 5 December 2023.'
Preet affirms that we all must be able to practice our religion and our faith without fear of persecution.
If you live in Edgbaston and wish to raise a policy or casework query with Preet, then please contact Preet on preet.gill.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 0121 392 8426.
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