What happened?
The British government should consider imposing sanctions on countries that persecute Christians, and adopt a definition of anti-Christian prejudice similar to those applied for Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, an official report has recommended.The report, by Anglican Bishop Philip Mounstephen, was commissioned by Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, one of the two candidates for Prime Minister. Hunt said he would implement the report’s recommendations if he wins.
What the Foreign Secretary said
In a speech to mark the publication of the report, Hunt said that anti-Christian persecution was getting worse, and represented about four-fifths of religious discrimination or persecution around the world. “Perhaps because of a misguided political correctness – or an instinctive reluctance to talk about religion – British governments have not always grappled with this problem,” he said.
Hunt argued that the government should avoid vague language by using the term “Christophobia”. He also said that Foreign Office workers should have mandatory religious literacy training. The Foreign Secretary accepted the report’s “constructive” criticisms of the government for overlooking the importance of religious hatred. The UK “will not shirk its responsibilities,” he concluded.
What the media said
The British media saw the report sympathetically, as an attempt to protect Christians abroad.
The Guardian highlighted the report’s proposal to use financial pressure. The paper began its report by noting the bishop’s suggestion that “The UK government should be prepared to impose sanctions against countries that persecute Christians.”
The BBC noted that Boris Johnson, Hunt’s rival for the Tory leadership, had also welcomed the report, saying: “If I am fortunate enough to become PM, I will always prioritise protecting religious freedoms and stand up for those facing persecution.”
Hunt told the Express that the UK’s response should include “using our fantastic diplomatic network to even greater effect, and flexing our considerable muscle at the UN.”
