Christian MP made envoy for religious freedom

Christian Labour MP, David Smith, has been appointed to the role of Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for the UK government.

Smith, who became MP for North Northumberland in July 2024, takes over from Conservative MP, Fiona Bruce.

‘I am delighted to be appointed as the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief,’ Smith said. ‘From sub-Saharan Africa to the Middle East and Asia, I have personally worked with those of different faiths who face religious persecution, and so these are issues that I care passionately about. I look forward to taking forward the government’s commitment to supporting freedom of religion or belief for all.’

Smith, who was raised in a Christian family, told Premier Christian Radio that he realised his need to ‘get right with God’ when he was four years old.

Over his career, Smith has worked in a variety of charitable settings, including Tearfund and homelessness charity, Oasis Community Housing. He was also Head of International Programme for the Bible Society for more than seven years, a role which has taken him all over the world, from South America to the Middle East.

Among his other responsibilities, Smith is Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Groups on Homelessness and on North Korea, and is a longtime member of Christians on the Left.

‘As Envoy, David will champion FoRB for all overseas, promoting tolerance and mutual respect through and alongside the UK’s global diplomatic network and engagements in multilateral fora,’ the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said in a press release. ‘David will represent the UK in international discussions on FoRB, working closely with other special envoys, experts and civil society partners. This work supports the UK’s wider human rights efforts, underpinning our belief that human rights are universal.’

‘The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,’ said Minister for Human Rights, Lord Collins of Highbury. ‘There is, however, still much to be done to ensure this right is upheld around the world. David’s appointment is a clear signal of the value placed by the UK on championing freedom of religion or belief for all around the world. No one should live in fear because of what they do, or do not, believe in.’

Open Doors UK Chief Executive Henrietta Blyth told the Church Times that Smith is someone who ‘gets’ the need to speak up for Freedom of Religion or Belief. Blyth said Open Doors looks forward to working closely with Smith in his new role, noting that the position has made ‘a significant difference’ in keeping religious freedom on the government’s radar since it was established in 2018.