MP calls for an end to the persecution of Christians
A Labour MP has demanded the Government "support and protect" persecuted Christians around the world.
Eleanor Smith has written to Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt outlining her support for the Stop Christophobia campaign, which has warned that 245 million Christians face high levels of persecution.
It comes after Mr Hunt launched a review into how the UK Government supports and treats Christians all over the world.
In her letter, the Wolverhampton South West MP, who is a practising Christian, said she welcomed the review and outlined a series of target areas where she wanted to see support.
She called for an international summit to respond to violence against Christians in Nigeria's Middle Belt, and appealed to the Nigerian Government to negotiate with jihadi terror group Boko Haram over the rescue of kidnapped girls.
She also urged the UK Government: to launch an "international effort" to enable Christians to return to Iraq and Syria; intervene in Pakistan to help with Christians on death row for blasphemy; and seek justice for Coptic Christians in Egypt.
As part of her demands, Ms Smith said she wants to see the Foreign Office set up a protection fund named after Asia Bibi, a Christian who was convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan.
The MP said: "As a practising Christian myself, I ask the British Government to implement these aims and take urgent action to support, protect and advocate for persecuted Christians around the world."
