UK Minister for Indo-Pacific and Parliamentarians Condemns Persecution of Falun Gong

(Minghui.org) The Rt Hon. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, and two Members of Parliament (MP): Feryal Clark MP and Deirdre Costigan MP replied to constituents in the electoral district in mid-August 2026 regarding the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution of Falun Gong. They said the British government expressed deep concern about the persecution of faith groups in China and reiterated their strong stand on defending freedom of religion and belief.

The Rt Hon. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE, Minister for the Indo-Pacific (Official website)Letter from the Rt Hon. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE (Minghui.org)

The Rt Hon. Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE stated in her letter, “We recognise that the environment for freedom of religion or belief across China is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

“We continue to monitor and review evidence relating to reports of forced organ harvesting in China and maintain a dialogue with leading non-governmental organisations and international partners on the issue. The Government’s position remains that, if true, the practice of systematic, state-sponsored organ harvesting would constitute a serious violation of human rights.

“We frequently raise human rights concerns with China, directly and at the highest levels. The former Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, raised the UK’s human rights concerns in China with President Xi Jinping in January, and the former Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP, raised these with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in June.”

Deirdre Costigan MP (Official website)

Deirdre Costigan MP wrote, “I support the statement made by the Minister of State in April condemning the attack on the Falun Gong practitioner in front of the British Museum and was glad to see a criminal investigation was opened into the case.

“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 practice, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.

“I am aware of the incredibly disturbing 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, may be 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 more 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.

“I am proud that the Government has continued to address human rights violations whenever it engages with the Chinese Government, by raising concerns privately and publicly, using its influence during bilateral and multilateral engagements, and supporting communities across China that are affected by violations. Furthermore, earlier this year at the UN Human Rights Council, the UK’s Ambassador called on China to address reports of forced labour and restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, and to release all arbitrarily detained individuals.

“I am also aware the Government continues to monitor the situation for religious minorities in China closely.

“Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I believe it is right that the UK continues to raise concerns about human rights abuses in China, works with international partners to promote accountability, and takes steps to reduce the risk of UK involvement in unethical organ transplantation practices.”

Feryal Clark MP (Official website)

Feryal Clark MP stated in her letter, “The Government recognises that freedom of religion or belief is a fundamental human right, and one that lies at the heart of the United Kingdom’s wider human rights approach. As reaffirmed by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office during a debate on 18 March 2026, the UK is focusing its efforts on ten priority countries where we believe we can have the greatest impact in defending this right, and China is among those countries. The Minister acknowledged that individuals seeking to exercise their freedom of religion or belief in China face deep and systemic restrictions, including Falun Gong practitioners.

“The Government remains committed to defending freedom of religion or belief around the world. No one should have to fear discrimination because of their beliefs, and I welcome the Government’s continued focus on promoting freedom, tolerance and mutual respect internationally. Last year, the Government outlined its approach to protecting freedom of religion and belief globally.

“I am proud that this Government has consistently raised this issue, both alongside international partners and directly with the Chinese Government. In October 2024, the UK Government signed a statement on Xinjiang and Tibet at the UN General Assembly, calling out China for human rights violations in these regions. This statement raised the specific issue of children being separated from their families in boarding schools. The Government’s concerns about restrictions in Tibet were also raised at the UN Human Rights Council in March.

“I am also aware the Government continues to monitor the situation for religious minorities in China closely. I will continue to support the Government in championing freedom of religion or belief for all abroad.”