Local Euro MP Brian Simpson has supported moves in the European Parliament to project the rights of Christians who find themselves as a religious minority throughout the world.  The Labour MEP took a strong line on the basis that all people should have the right to practise their beliefs peacefully, irrespective of where they live.

“Personally I am not a religious person, but I defend unequivocally people’s rights to practise their religion peacefully and without hindrance, irrespective of what that religion is.  We know that throughout the world, Christians and other faiths are persecuted and for me, this is a flagrant breach of Human Rights” said Mr Simpson.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg responded to the report by the United Nations special envoy on freedom of religious beliefs, which pointed out that in many parts of the world, minorities suffer persecution because of their religious beliefs.  The report particularly highlights the problems being experienced by Christians in countries like Iraq, Pakistan and Turkey.

“Whilst it is clear that Christians are being persecuted in some countries, we must remember that other religions also face persecution.  For me, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a human right which should be guaranteed and Governments should act to ensure that this is the case” concluded Mr Simpson