THE Prime Minister has appointed MP Fiona Bruce as Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

The Congleton MP, who represents Middlewich and Holmes Chapel, said she is honoured to take on the new role and vowed to improve the lives of anyone who is persecuted for their faith or belief.

Mrs Bruce said: "There is much to do and my post will be placed at the service of some of the most vulnerable people across the world. 

"This appointment comes in the light of continuing large scale horrors taking place – such as those against Uighur Muslims in China, Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar and Yazidis in Iraq.

"These are some of the most deeply concerning issues of our generation on which it will be a privilege to engage as Special Envoy, both nationally and internationally, with others similarly concerned.”

Boris Johnson said: "The UK is absolutely committed to protecting the inalienable right to freedom of religion and belief, at home and around the world.

“As we approach Christmas, the season of peace, people of all faiths and none are still being persecuted for their beliefs.

“I am delighted to appoint Fiona as my special envoy on this issue and I know she will be a passionate advocate for tolerance and freedom."

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab MP said: "Fiona has been a standard setter for Freedom of Religion or Belief in Parliament, and I look forward to working with her to make sure everyone, everywhere can have and practice a faith, belief, or no religious belief, in accordance with their conscience.

"Acting as a force for good in the world will see the UK continue to promote and defend Freedom of Religion or Belief for all."

Mrs Bruce added: “Having travelled to countries such as Myanmar, Nigeria and Nepal and heard first-hand accounts of atrocities and persecution being meted out there, I know how much those who are suffering from this appreciate advocacy on their behalf, even from afar."

"I pay tribute to the dedicated work on this issue of many Parliamentarians and others, and hope to build on their work to further raise the profile of FoRB as a human right. As the Prime Minister said recently 'We all know that wherever freedom of belief is under attack, other human rights are under attack as well'.

"What this will not do is take away from my dedication to serving my constituents who I remain as committed to as when I was first elected in 2010. It is my privilege to serve this wonderful area in Parliament.”

In this new role Mrs Bruce will encourage states around the world to uphold their obligations to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all their citizens.

The MP will work alongside the Minister responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, to drive forward the implementation of the Bishop of Truro's recommendations on FCDO support for persecuted Christians, in a way that improves the lives of those persecuted for their faith or belief.