UK foreign aid could be linked to progress on religious freedom

Apr 6, 2019 by Andrew Symes

from Christian Institute.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says the Government “should do more” to help persecuted Christians and suggested UK aid could be tied to progress on the issue.

Replying to MPs’ questions this week Mr Hunt highlighted work by Christian charity Open Doors on the growing problem of persecution abroad.

The Foreign Secretary said an ongoing review would make sure the UK is putting pressure on regimes to change.

Where the UK makes large aid payments, such as in Afghanistan, he said “it is absolutely essential that we make it clear to the Government in those countries that we are expecting progress on freedom of religious belief”.

However, he did not lay out specific actions…

…The Foreign Secretary also told MPs that while the UK has “long championed freedom of religion”, “I think we should do more for the estimated 240 million Christians who face persecution for their faith around the world”.

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Chinese Govt offers financial reward for turning in Christians from Christian Institute