(Minghui.org) Multiple Members of Parliament in the U.K. expressed their concern over Beijing’s 26 years of persecution of Falun Gong, as well as the recent sentence of Falun Gong practitioner Ms. Natalia Minenkova in Russia. Eight practitioners have been detained in Russia since March 2024—signaling a troubling sign of how the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) campaign against the practice is being exported abroad. The MP's pointed out that the CCP not only persecutes Falun Gong in China, but recently intensified the transnational repression of the practice. They said that the violation of religious freedom is unacceptable and called on the British government to take action to protect practitioners’ human rights.
Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories: Safeguard Freedom of Belief
Stephen Doughty MP sent a letter to support Falun Gong practitioners’ right to freedom of belief.
Stephen Doughty MP, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, sent a letter to voice his support. He wrote, “This government champions freedom of religion or belief for all. In the UK, we are firmly committed to promoting and protecting the rights to FoRB, [freedom of religion or belief] and in being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right.
“We work to uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora, and through bilateral engagement with China. The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor, Energy Secretary and Minister for the Indo-Pacific, have all raised human rights [concerns] with their Chinese counterparts in recent months.
“I also want to take this opportunity to reassure you that the Government will not tolerate any attempt by a foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK.”
Ian Murray MP: Transnational Suppression is Unacceptable
Ian Murray MP
Ian Murray MP said in his letter, “I appreciate you bringing to my attention the deeply concerning situation regarding Falun Gong practitioners in Russia, particularly the case of Natalia Minenkova. It is alarming to hear about the harsh sentence she received and the broader context of persecution that seems to mirror the Chinese Communist Party’s long-standing stance against Falun Gong.
“The reports of increased targeting of Falun Gong practitioners abroad are troubling. The right to freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right that should be protected everywhere. The UK government has always advocated for these principles globally, and any transnational suppression of religious freedoms is unacceptable.
“The concerns you raise about the growing ties between Russia and the CCP in relation to this persecution are shared by many. I take these issues seriously and will bring your concerns to the attention of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office). Our aim is to ensure that the UK Government continues to promote religious freedoms and human rights internationally.
“It is crucial that we shed light on these incidents and advocate for those who face persecution for their beliefs.”
Rachel Blake MP: Will Continue to Pay Close Attention
Rachel Blake MP
Rachel Blake MP wrote in her letter, “The United Kingdom has long been clear that the freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, and that no one should face discrimination, harassment, or imprisonment for peacefully practising their faith.
“The Government has consistently raised the issue of freedom of religion or belief at the international level. Ministers and officials regularly express concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in a range of countries, including China, and work with partners to call for an end to persecution. The Government also supports multilateral efforts through the United Nations and other international bodies to uphold these rights and to hold to account those who violate them.
“With respect to Russia, the UK has repeatedly raised human rights concerns, including restrictions on civil society, freedom of expression, and freedom of religion or belief. The UK Government has also joined with international partners in condemning actions that undermine fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
She told practitioners to rest assured that she will continue to pay close attention to developments in this issue.
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP: Submitted Written Question to Foreign Secretary
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP and her letter of support
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP said, “It is alarming to hear of the recent sentencing of Ms Natalia Minenkova, a Falun Gong practitioner in Russia, to four years’ imprisonment on 23rd July 2025. I understand this severe sentence follows a worrying pattern of escalating repression of Falun Gong practitioners in Russia.
“I understand that several of my colleagues have raised concerns to the Foreign Secretary regarding the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in Russia.
“I have raised a Written Parliamentary Question to the Foreign Secretary to ask what steps he is taking to secure the rights of Falun Gong practitioners in Russia.”
Ian Lavery MP: CCP’s Transnational Suppression Raises Serious Questions
Ian Lavery MP
Ian Lavery MP expressed concern in his letter, “The sentencing of Natalia Minenkova and the broader crackdown on the Moscow Falun Dafa Association are indeed alarming developments. The fact that these actions appear to be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party’s transnational campaign against Falun Gong raises serious questions about the erosion of religious freedom and human rights beyond China’s borders.
“I appreciate the clarity with which you’ve outlined the situation, and I share your concern about the implications of these events. I will raise this matter with the relevant Minister.”
Dr. Simon Opher MP: Commend Practitioners’ Peaceful and Steadfast Commitment
Dr. Simon Opher MP
Dr. Simon Opher said in his letter, “The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance are ones I deeply respect, and I share your concern about the human rights abuses still taking place in China, including the shocking evidence of forced organ harvesting. I commend the peaceful and steadfast commitment shown by Falun Dafa practitioners in the face of such oppression.
“I am always happy to lend my support to efforts that defend freedom of belief and promote universal human rights.”
Dr Zubir Ahmed MP: Live Human Organ Harvesting “Disturbing”
Dr. Zubir Ahmed MP
Dr. Zubir Ahmed MP said in his letter, “I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. The freedom to practise, change or share one's faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.
“I am aware of the incredibly disturbing allegations that have been reported over several years about human organ harvesting in China. I also understand that minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, may be being specifically targeted.
“I know that more recent reports have said that the practice continues, including the judgment of the China Tribunal initiated by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC). Indeed, the China Tribunal concluded that forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale, with Falun Gong practitioners and the Uighurs being the main victims.
“The Government continues to raise concerns about human rights at the highest levels.
“I am also aware the Government continues to monitor the situation for religious minorities in China closely.
“I will continue to support the Government in championing freedom of religion or belief for all abroad.”
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