I am aware that Human Rights Watch published its annual report in 2023 and raised again the continued severe restrictions in Tibet on freedom of religion, expression, movement and assembly. I know there are also serious concerns about the phasing out of the Tibetan language in primary education, censorship, citizens informing on others, environmental degradation and mass relocation.
This new Government will stand firm on China’s repression of the people of Tibet. More widely, I will support it in its action to uphold human rights.
I also support action to champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad, and to work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through the UK’s position at the UN, G7 and other international forums, alongside through bilateral engagement with other nations.
I support the new Government’s intention to take a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to and challenge where we must.