UK Officials Express Support for Falun Gong Practitioners on Anniversary of Historic Appeal
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, Baroness Janet Fookes, Lord Andrew Roberts, Baroness Ruth Lister, Bob Doris MSP, Alan Whitehead MP, Kerry McCarthy MP, Stephen Flynn MP, Ian Murray MP, Patrick Grady MP, Mark Pritchard MP, Fiona Bruce MP, Benedict Rogers
Government officials from the highest offices in the United Kingdom voiced their support for efforts to end the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China. These expressions of support come in the wake of the 25th anniversary of the April 25 appeal, during which 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners in China peacefully petitioned their government for the right to freely practice their belief.
Letters of support came from prominent figures, including the office of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the office of Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, and various members of the British House of Lords and House of Commons. The sentiments echoed in these letters underscored the shared commitment to defending fundamental human rights and promoting religious freedom.
In a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office, it was stated, “The Government remains deeply concerned about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and others on the grounds of their religion or beliefs in China.” This sentiment was echoed by Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, who emphasized the Scottish Government’s staunch support for religious freedom and its condemnation of persecution based on religion or belief.
Members of Parliament also voiced their unwavering support. Patrick Grady MP emphasized, “I am proud to stand in solidarity with those commemorating 25 years since the peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners to the Government of China, requesting an end to the beatings and arrests of people who practice Falun Gong.”
“I am proud to stand in solidarity with those commemorating 25 years since the peaceful appeal of 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners to the Government of China, requesting an end to the beatings and arrests of people who practice Falun Gong.”
Kerry McCarthy MP said, “I’m a strong believer in religious freedoms and tolerance, and the scale of punishment and discrimination Falun Gong practitioners face and the number of them who have died is abhorrent!”
Fiona Bruce MP, Chair of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance, expressed her solidarity with the Falun Gong community.
Benedict Rogers, Co-founder of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission, praised Falun Gong’s principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance and expressed unwavering support for their peaceful resistance against persecution.
“As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the peaceful appeal by 10,000 Falun Gong practitioners to the Chinese government for their basic right to practice their beliefs, I want to say loud and clear: I stand in total solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners,” said Rogers. “For the freedom and human dignity of Falun Gong practitioners – and for all peoples of China and the world who believe in humanity, human dignity, human rights and human freedom. I stand with you all. And I stand with you for Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.”
I stand with you all. And I stand with you for Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.”
