On 26th January 2015, the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, received an answer to a written question on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia.
The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Saudi Arabia on behalf of Raif Bedawi. [HL4076]
Baroness Anelay of St Johns (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office): We are seriously concerned by Raif Badawi’s case. The UK condemns the use of cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment in all circumstances. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) has raised the matter with the Saudi Ambassador. We have previously raised the case at a senior level with the Saudi authorities. The UK is a strong supporter of freedom of expression around the world. We believe that people must be allowed to freely discuss and debate issues, peacefully challenge their governments, exercise the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and speak out against violations of human rights wherever they occur.
(via Parliament.uk)
The Church of England in Parliament 
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