New envoy signals value placed on freedom of religion

David Smith, a Christian, said he was “absolutely delighted and honoured” to take on the role

The appointment of Labour MP David Smith as UK Special Envoy for Religious Freedom has been hailed by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need as “a position of the utmost importance”.

In the role, Smith, the MP for North Northumberland, will focus on religious freedom around the world, homing in on persecution due to religious beliefs.

Dr Caroline Hull, national director of ACN UK, said: “We are delighted that the government has appointed a new Special Envoy for FoRB.

“This position is of the utmost importance in ensuring that the UK uses its considerable resources and global influence to do everything it can to tackle and overcome persecution, discrimination and intolerance throughout the world.”

Smith, a Christian, said he was “absolutely delighted and honoured” to take on the role, adding: “I look forward to taking forward the Government’s commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief for all.”

Fiona Bruce was the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief from December 2020 to July 2024. After the election, no comment was made about a replacement and there were concerns the role might be discontinued.

In November, Catholic MP Sir Edward Leigh asked Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner during Prime Minister’s Questions if an envoy would be appointed before Christmas.

Citing ACN UK research which showed that, in countries surveyed, persecution of minorities has increased by 60 per cent, Sir Edward said: “Will the Government commit to reappointing the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, a post which has remained vacant since July?”  Rayner said that “envoy roles are under consideration”.

Now the Government has appointed Smith to the role, which Minister for Human Rights, Lord Collins of Highbury, called “a clear signal of the value placed by the UK on championing freedom of religion or belief for all around the world”.

Smith comes to the role with experience of working with faith groups around the world, as well as in faith-based organisations such as the Bible Society.

He said: “From sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East and Asia, I have personally worked with those of different faiths who face religious persecution, and so these are issues that I care passionately about.”

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