Letter from the British Government to the Falun Dafa Association Expresses Support for Shen Yun and Freedom of Religion

(Minghui.org) On the eve of the 26th anniversary of opposing the persecution of Falun Dafa, July 16, 2025, the UK Falun Dafa Association received a letter from Catherine West MP, Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs at the British Foreign Office, on behalf of the Prime Minister, expressing the British government's firm support for Falun Gong’s beliefs and Shen Yun performances.

Letter of reply from Catherine West MP, Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs at the UK Foreign Office, on behalf of the Prime Minister

Ms. West wrote: “This Government champions freedom of religion or belief for all. In the UK, we are firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief, and in being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right.”

She made it clear that the British Government actively upholds freedom of religion and belief through its position in the United Nations, the G7, and other multilateral forums, as well as through bilateral engagement with China and: “The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, Chancellor, Energy Secretary and I have all raised human rights with our Chinese counterparts in recent months.”

She also indicated: “This Government is also firm in its support for the rights of performance groups, such as Shen Yun, and their audiences.”

The letter pointed out that the British government takes seriously any foreign interference in the UK: “The first duty of the Government is to keep the country safe, and we are committed to responding to foreign interference, including those actions which amount to transnational repression. Any attempt by any foreign power to intimidate, harass or harm individuals or communities in the UK, will not be tolerated.”

In her closing paragraph, Ms. West wrote: “I hope that this letter provides reassurance to you that this Government takes the safety and security of Falun Gong practitioners, the Shen Yun performers and their audience very seriously.”

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