The UK: Parliamentarians Write Letters to Mark the 26th Anniversary of the April 25 Appeal

(Minghui.org) Falun Gong practitioners in the UK held a rally in London on April 19, 2025 to mark the 26th anniversary of the April 25 appeal. On the eve of the event, multiple members of the British House of Commons and House of Lords wrote letters to express their support for practitioners and to condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution.

Marie Rimmer, Member of Parliament (MP), stated in her letter: “I have spoken in Parliament on Falun Gong persecution in Westminster Hall Debates and moved amendments in two parliamentary bills. We have had some success but there is so much more that needs to be done and could be done.”

The following are some of the letters from British politicians:

Letter from Jim Shannon MP

Jim Shannon MPLetter from Jim Shannon MP

Jim Shannon MP, Chair APPG Freedom of Religion or Belief, stated in his letter, “As a staunch defender of human rights and freedom of belief, I urge the UK government to stand in solidarity with international activists and take a resolute stance against the Chinese Communist Party’s egregious human rights violations, including the horrific practice of forced organ harvesting targeting Falun Gong practitioners.

“The systematic persecution and exploitation of this peaceful spiritual group demand a clear and unified response to uphold justice, protect fundamental freedoms, and hold the CCP accountable for these atrocities.”

Letter from Marie Rimmer CBE MP

Marie Rimmer CBE MP

Marie Rimmer CBE MP stated in her letter, “I became aware of Falun Gong and its persecution and egregious human rights violations including forced organ harvesting through reading and learning through The China Tribunal chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC.

“If only we treated all equally, put effort into being fair and respecting others, if there was not the greed and desire to rule by fear but earn respect.

“Some Governments have indeed taken some steps, but we must continue to voice the truth to all powers.”

Letter from Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP 

Letter from Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP 

“I stand against the persecution of all people. This includes the persecution of people based upon their religion and gender. It is alarming to hear of the levels of religious persecution towards Falun Gong practitioners from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP wrote.

“Religious freedom is something that we in the UK are fortunate to enjoy, but sadly others across the globe do not. We as a nation must stand against all forms of persecution, including religious persecution and work as part of a global community to ensure that all are free to express their religious beliefs without fear of harm.

“I firmly believe the UK must be vocal in its condemnation of States and regimes that persecute people on the basis of religious beliefs. I will always campaign to protect freedom of religious expression here in the UK and abroad and believe we as a nation must do more to promote religious freedom.”

Letter from Ian Murray MP

Ian Murray MP

Ian Murray MP wrote, “I understand the significance of the upcoming rally and your efforts to raise awareness about the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners are admirable and necessary.

“I support your efforts to uphold human rights and combat persecution where it occurs. Parliament continually holds dialogues and debates related to human rights violations globally, including those perpetrated against Falun Gong practitioners.

“We support international cooperation, like the EU’s resolution condemning the CCP’s actions, as a measure to address and hold accountable those responsible for such violations.”

Letter from Andrew Cooper MP

Andrew Cooper MP

Andrew Cooper MP wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, be it Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Gong practitioners. 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 support the Government playing a role in promoting freedom of religion or belief both domestically and globally through diplomatic networks and other engagements.

“I assure you I will continue to support action to defend the freedom of religion and belief and stand against persecution and oppression in any form. No one should live in fear because of what they do, or do not, believe in.”

Baroness (Ruth) Lister of Burtersett

Baroness (Ruth) Lister of Burtersett wrote, “As someone who knows the benefits of practising Tai Chi I very much support your campaign for a peaceful environment in which you have the right to practise Falun Gong. I wish you well for your rally.”

Letter from the Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP

The Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP

Letter from Richard Holden MP

The Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP stated in his letter, “I remain deeply concerned about the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other religious and ethnic groups.

“The testimonies of those affected are distressing, and this mistreatment is one of the many reasons why China is listed as one of the UK’s human rights priority countries.

“Freedom of belief, whether religious or non-religious, is a fundamental right, and the UK must continue to raise these issues directly with the Chinese authorities and through international forums.

“I commend all those who stand up peacefully for truth, compassion and tolerance. Thank you for raising awareness and continuing to speak out in defence of fundamental freedoms.”

Letter from Feryal Clark MP

Feryal Clark MP

Feryal Clark MP stated in her letter, “The environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

“This Labour Government will champion freedom of religion or belief for all abroad. We will work to uphold the right to freedom of religion or belief through our position at the UN, G7 and other multilateral fora, and through bilateral engagement.”

Letter from Mr. Benedict Rogers

Mr. Benedict Rogers

Mr Benedict Rogers, co-founder and trustee of Hong Kong Watch, vice chairman of conservative party human rights committee, wrote, “I strongly support the right of Falun Gong practitioners in China to practise their beliefs and live out their values of ‘Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance’. These are not only Falun Gong values – they are universal values which people of all faiths and none can and should embrace.

“Yet that peaceful appeal 26 years ago resulted in a horrific and brutal campaign of persecution of Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party, which continues to this day. It has led to the arrest, torture, imprisonment and killing of thousands of people.

“And it has led to transnational repression against Falun Gong practitioners, alongside Hong Kongers, Uyghurs, Tibetans, other Chinese dissidents and critics of the Chinese Communist Party abroad. That has included the aggressive campaign by the Chinese Communist Party to discredit and threaten and cancel Shen Yun performances.

“So it is very important to use anniversaries like these not only to commemorate the thousands of brave, peaceful Falun Gong practitioners who stood up to appeal for their right to be able to practice their beliefs, but also to continue to speak out today for those who are facing persecution, imprisonment, torture, forced labour, execution and other egregious violations of human rights.”

He stressed, “And it is vital that we use occasions like this to urge the British government to speak out more clearly, robustly and consistently for human rights in China, including for an end to the persecution of Falun Gong. So as you gather for this rally today, I am with you in spirit and solidarity, and will continue to pray and work for the day when every person in China, of every religion or belief and none, enjoys the right to choose, practice, share and change their beliefs, in peace and in freedom.

“I look forward to the day when the values of “Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance” can be practised without fear across China.”