India – The Church of England in Parliament

Bishop of Winchester asks about impact of Indian legislation on charity

The Bishop of Winchester received the following written answer on 8th July 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Winchester asked His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the Government of India regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026, and in particular about the impact the Bill would have on poor and vulnerable citizens in India, and those who depend on charity from overseas.

Bishop of Winchester asks about religious freedom in India

The Bishop of Winchester received the following written answer on 17th November 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Winchester asked His Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of India regarding freedom of religion or belief in that country, and what other steps they are taking to support freedom of religion or belief there.

Bishop of Winchester asks about freedom of religion provisions in trade agreements

The Bishop of Winchester received the following written answer on 23rd October 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Winchester asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure human rights provisions on freedom of religion or belief have been included in the Free Trade Agreement with India.

Bishop of St Albans asks about treatment of Rohingya refugees by Indian navy

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 4th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the UN special rapporteur Thomas Andrews on 15 May regarding allegations that Rohingya refugees were forced off an Indian naval vessel.

Bishop of Manchester asks about ethical trade considerations in UK-India partnership

On 13th May 2025, the Bishop of Manchester asked a question on ethical trade considerations following a government statement on trade negotiations between the UK and India:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, I too welcome both trade agreements in recent weeks and congratulate His Majesty’s Government on achieving them. I know that in my diocese in Manchester, the large Indian diaspora community will be working hard to help British exports where they have improved opportunities.

Bishop of Manchester asks about community cohesion following tensions in Kashmir

The Bishop of Manchester asked a question on efforts to de-escalate tensions and reassure communities in the UK on 30th April 2025, following a government statement on a recent terrorist attack and rising tensions in Kashmir:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, I have had a number of distressed emails from Hindu leaders in my own diocese, and as faith leaders we are trying to see how we can respond to this incident. Will the Minister say a little more about how he expects civil society organisations and faith communities to play a part in helping to de-escalate tensions in the UK?

Bishop of Winchester asks about freedom of religion and belief in India

On 16th April 2024, the Bishop of Winchester tabled a question to the Foreign Secretary on the current state of freedom of religion and belief in India:

The Lord Bishop of Winchester: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs what assessment he has made of the current state of freedom of religion or belief in India.

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton (Con, Foreign Secretary): My Lords, India is a multifaith, multiethnic democracy and remains among the most religiously diverse societies in the world. It is home to 966 million Hindus, 172 million Muslims, 28 million Christians, 20 million Sikhs, 8 million Buddhists and 4.5 million Jains. India is committed via its constitution to freedom of religion and belief. Where specific issues or concerns arise, the UK Government of course raise these directly with the Government of India.

Bishop of Leicester asks about freedom of religion and belief in India

The Bishop of Leicester asked a question on threats to freedom of religion and belief in India on 14th March 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Leicester: My Lords, the number of acts of religiously motivated violence against Christians in India has increased almost every year since 2014, from 147 to 687 in 2023. Last year, over 500 Christians were arrested under anti-conversion laws, including a couple and their pastor during their wedding, on the grounds that it was a conversion event. Will the Minister condemn this state of affairs and, if so, what steps will the Government take with their allies to defend the freedom of religion and belief in India?

Bishop of St Albans asks about religious minority participation in elections in India and Pakistan

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 14th February 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the governments of (1) India, and (2) Pakistan, to ensure that religious minorities are not denied their right to vote in upcoming elections in those countries.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con, Foreign Office): We regularly engage with the Government of Pakistan to advance our key priorities and interests, including upholding democracy through inclusive elections.

Bishop of Coventry asks about treatment of religious minorities and non-governmental organisations in India

The Bishop of Coventry received the following written answers on 21st June 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Coventry asked His Majesty’s Government:

what discussions they have had with the government of India on the importance of pluralism and human rights, including freedom of religion; and what assessment they have made of freedom of religion or belief in India.
what discussions they have had with leaders from civil society in India on the status and experiences of religious minorities in that country.

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