This week, as Special Envoy, I launched the Government’s strategy for protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) around the world at the Foreign Office.

I was announced as the UK Special Envoy for FoRB in December last year by the Prime Minister – a great honour in my first year as MP for North Northumberland.

On Tuesday I was joined by fellow Parliamentarians, Foreign Office colleagues and representatives of civil society at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to present the strategy for the coming years.

Collaboration and partnerships are critical to making Freedom of Religion or Belief for all a reality. 

Our place on the international stage must continue to revolve around our values as a country, values which we aim to humbly share with the rest of the world. 

We don’t always get it right, but I am proud that in the UK today you are free to practice your religion or belief, without fear of persecution. I want this to continue to be a reality for my constituents, and to use my voice to help many others across the world who have no such rights. Being part of this vital work has been an immense honour in my first year as a backbench MP.

I will be focussing on countries where the need is greatest; where opportunities exist to make positive change; and where the UK, specifically, has the relationships and partnerships to help achieve this.

My thanks to the many constituents who have written to me and supported my work in this area. Your encouragement means a great deal to me.