A British MP has challenged the treatment of Christians in the United Kingdom in a debate in the House of Commons this week.
MP David Simpson told fellow ministers that if they wanted to see examples of Christian persecution they need do no more than “simply look to our own back door”.
“In the United Kingdom, the policy seems to be that people can do whatever they like against Christianity – criticise it or blaspheme the name of Christ – as long as they do not insult Islam,” he argued.
“It is sad because this country is based on civil and religious liberty for all. When Queen Victoria was on the throne, the secret behind England’s greatness was its open scriptures and open Bible.
“Today, that policy is being hammered into the ground, and that concerns me greatly for the years and months that lie ahead.”
The debate in Commons arose out of the case of a Christian driver ordered to remove a small cross from the dashboard of his company van over concerns it would cause offense to people of other faith. This despite the fact the same company allowed a Muslim employee to display a verse from the Koran in her company car.
Mr Simpson also raised his concern for the plight of Christians in other parts of the world such as Nigeria where he said there was “wave upon wave” of violent attacks against Christians in post-election violence, and Pakistan, where the controversial blasphemy law has been used to imprison minority faiths. He said Britain had a responsibility to use its influence to help establish democracy in places like Egypt and Tunisia.
“Although the current situation for Christians in many Middle East countries is difficult, it could become increasing dangerous in the coming months and years,” he warned saying Britain had a responsibility to assist in establishing democracy in these countries.
“We, as a Parliament and a nation, should not be like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan and simply pass by on the other side.”
Although many of these countries were important trading partners, Mr Simpson stressed the correct response by the British government to human rights violations is not “silence”.
“I urge the Government not simply to chase the financial bottom line in our dealings with neighbours and partners,” Simpson added.
“As one of the great economies of the world and one of the beacons of democratic freedom, we have a duty to use all of our influence to help those who suffer injustice around the world.
“There is a rising tide of affliction that is swelling around Christians across the world.
“This nation and this Parliament should be more to the fore in the campaign against that and for civil and religious liberty. I urge the Government and all hon. Members to rise to that challenge.”