International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill

A Bill to require the Prime Minister to appoint a Special Envoy for International Freedom of Religion or Belief; to establish an Office of the Special Envoy; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

2 November 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would require the Prime Minister to appoint a Special Envoy for International Freedom of Religion or Belief and to create an Office to support the envoy’s work. It aims to strengthen the UK's international response to issues affecting freedom of religion or belief abroad.

Key Points

Requires the Prime Minister to appoint a Special Envoy for International Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Establishes an Office of the Special Envoy to support and coordinate the envoy’s work.
Outline of the envoy’s role in focusing on international freedom of religion or belief and advising the government.
Includes provisions described as 'connected purposes' to enable related actions to progress the envoy’s work.

Progress

The bill is currently at its first reading in the House of Commons; if it progresses, it will move to the Second Reading and further stages.

Who is affected?

The Prime Minister and government departments (notably the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)The Special Envoy and their staffFaith groups and religious communities in the UK and overseasHuman rights organisations and NGOs focused on freedom of religion or beliefBritish citizens with an interest in human rights and foreign policy

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill

19 Oct 2023

The 2022-2023 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 373 2022-23 (as introduced)

BillCommons

25 Oct 2023

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill | TrackPolitics