Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they are making to the government of China about China's obligations under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, following the recent demolition of several churches and the removal of crosses from others.

We have concerns about all restrictions placed on freedom of religion and belief in China. This includes the destruction of churches and the removal of crosses from others. We believe that freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a fundamental human right, and continue to raise our concerns with Chinese counterparts.

We raised our particular concerns about religious buildings in China directly with Chinese authorities during the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue on 19-20 May. We also highlight our broad range of concerns publicly in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy and in quarterly updates to it.