Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effects of the appointment of an EU Special Envoy for the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU.

The Government notes the designation of Mr Jan Figel as special advisor to Commissioner Mimica on religious issues. We look forward to the presentation of his proposed mandate for discussion by EU Member States’ human rights experts. The Government is strongly committed to the defence of freedom of religion or belief globally and will work to ensure that Mr Figel’s appointment contributes to this goal.