Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the policy paper entitled Statement on freedom of religion or belief and gender equality, published on 7 July 2022, for what reason references to (a) sexual and reproductive health and rights and (b) bodily autonomy were removed from the original Statement; and if he will reinstate the original version of that Statement.

The UK is committed to defending and promoting universal and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and will continue working with other countries to protect and further gender equality in international agreements. The UK continues to fund, support and lead on initiatives related to promoting gender equality including SRHR, Women, Peace and Security and Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict.