Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 9 May (HL Deb, cols 1299–1300), what representations they intend to make to the government of Nigeria to call for urgent and effective action to be taken to protect ethnic and religious minorities in that country.

The UK is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief around the world, as well as being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. In Nigeria, the right to freedom of religion is protected by the Constitution. The Foreign Secretary, during his recent visit to Nigeria, raised the issue of freedom of religious belief with the Vice President and had discussions with religious leaders to discuss how the UK can further support their work to promote interfaith relationships and long-term peacebuilding.

We are committed to working with Nigeria to help tackle threats to Nigeria's security and to address the underlying causes of instability which exist within Nigeria. We echo President Buhari's calls for calm and reconciliation between the many ethnic groups and communities that make up and contribute to the strength and diversity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.