(Minghui.org) On the occasion of Falun Gong practitioners’ 25th anniversary of peacefully protesting the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution, British practitioners held a march in central London on July 20, 2024. They condemned the CCP’s brutal persecution of Falun Gong and practitioners over the past quarter century. Members of Parliament (MP) and other officials from the UK sent letters in advance to express their support.
UK officials sent letters to support practitioners.
MP: UK Government Must Raise the Issue of Live Organ Harvesting to the Beijing Regime
Ian Murray MP
Ian Murray MP stated in his letter, “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 everyone should enjoy.
“I am aware of the alarming 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, are potentially being specifically targeted.
“In late 2014, Chinese authorities announced that the country would stop the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners. The implementation of this policy would be an important step. However, I know that 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.
“If Labour are elected to form the next UK Government, we will ask further questions of Chinese authorities on this matter and ensure that it continues to review any new evidence that is presented. We will also press the World Health Organization for a clear response to the China Tribunal’s findings and a proper independent assessment.”
MP: "I Express My Solidarity for All Those Who Are Suffering Injustices Because of Their Beliefs and Practices"
Mary Glinton MP
Mary Glinton MP wrote, “I wish to express my solidarity for all those who are suffering injustices because of their beliefs and practices. I hope the rally is a success and I look forward to working with your organisation in the new parliament.”
Cabinet Secretary of Scotland: "Everyone Should Have Freedom of Belief"
Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Neil Gray MSP wrote, “The Scottish Government remains deeply concerned about the persecution of communities, whether Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Falun Gong practitioners or others, on the grounds of their religion or belief in China. Scottish Government ministers continue to raise concerns with Chinese counterparts at appropriate bilateral meetings.
“We believe that everyone should be free to practice their religion according to their beliefs, and we work towards worldwide acceptance of the idea that the presence of other faiths does not threaten the identity of a religion, a state, or a culture. The prohibition of some religious groups, and the legal restrictions and harassment aimed at others, undermines freedom of religious belief. We will consider carefully all evidence presented to us on alleged abuses and organ harvesting. If true, the practice of systematic, state-sponsored organ harvesting would constitute a serious violation of human rights.”
Deputy Chairman of Human Rights Commission: "I Admire the Values of Falun Gong"
Benedict Rogers, human rights activist and deputy chairman of the Conservative Party’s Human Rights Commission
Benedict Rogers wrote, “First of all, I want to say to everybody who is gathering on the 20th of July that I’m very sorry not to be with you in person. I will be arriving in Tokyo, in Japan that day, and that’s why I can’t be in London. But even though I’m not with you in person, I’m certainly with you in spirit and in solidarity.
“Over the years, I have come to know many Falun Gong practitioners. Many of them have become my friends. I greatly admire the values of Falun Gong, of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
“And those are values, actually, that are not only for Falun Gong. They’re values for humanity and for all human beings. And I think anyone who believes in those values and who believes in the basic human right of freedom of religion or belief should stand in solidarity with Falun Gong practitioners.”
Support Statements from Members of the House of Lords
Caroline Cox, Baroness Cox
Baroness Cox wrote, “Rest assured that I stand with you in calling on the Chinese Communist Party to end their persecution of Falun Gong. No government should be killing any of their citizens merely because of their faith. This is unacceptable in today’s world.”
The Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
The Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick wrote, “I am opposed to all forms of human persecution and I want to see greater levels of truthfulness, compassion and an adherence to human rights in the global world today.
“I send my support and solidarity to all those victims of the Falun Gong persecution. I believe in religious freedom and believe that governments should ensure that such freedoms are honoured and respected.”
Baroness (Ruth) Lister
Baroness (Ruth) Lister wrote, “Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance are important principles not just in everyday life but also in politics. I’m therefore pleased to send you this brief message of support.”
The Baroness Fookes DBE
The Baroness Fookes DBE wrote, “I deplore the persecution suffered by Falun Gong practitioners and wish all of them well.”
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