About our APPG

The APPG for International Freedom of Religion or Belief is one of the Largest APPG’s at Westminster.  Our purpose is to raise the profile and the general awareness of international Freedom of Religion or Belief as a human right among parliamentarians, government, media and the general public

What is an All Party Parliamentary Group?

An All-Party Parliamentary Group is made up of Parliamentarians (MPs and Members of the House of Lords) who share a particular interest in a subject and wish to co-ordinate their work around this issue. They are informal, cross-party groups that have no official status within Parliament and are not accorded any powers or funding by it; they should not be confused with select committees, which are formal institutions of the House.

In 2012 a Speakers’ Working Group noted that these groups “are an effective way for Members of both Houses to inform themselves about specific subjects, to respond to outside concerns, and to have direct contact with external audiences”.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has clearly stated that the defence of freedom of religion or belief worldwide is a priority for its work. Thus the issue of international freedom of religion or belief is very firmly on the Parliamentary agenda, and Parliamentarians have significant opportunities to support and advance this right.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on International Freedom of Religion or Belief was established in July 2012 with the following purpose:

“To raise awareness and profile of international freedom of religion or belief as a human right amongst parliamentarians, media, government and the general public in the UK; and to increase effectiveness and awareness of the UK’s contribution to international institutions charged with enforcing this human right.”

Jim Shannon MP

APPG FoRB Chair

“In my role as chair of the all-party group on international freedom of religion or belief, I campaign on behalf of all who are persecuted, not just Christians, because I am a Christian and I believe that my God loves everyone. That is why I, and all hon. Members present, believe that it is our duty to speak out not only for those of Christian faith, but for people of any faith and of course, just as important, those who do not profess a faith at all.”

APPG Officers

With new APPG regulations in place we now have four officers

Jim Shannon MP

Jim Shannon is the Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford, and has been an MP continually since 6 May 2010.

Ruth Jones MP

Ruth Jones is the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, and has been an MP continually since 4 April 2019.

Lord Alton of Liverpool

Lord Alton of Liverpool’s full title is The Lord Alton of Liverpool. His name is David Patrick Paul Alton, and he is a current member of the House of Lords.

Lord Jackson of Peterborough

Lord Jackson of Peterborough’s full title is The Lord Jackson of Peterborough. His name is Stewart James Jackson, and he is a current member of the House of Lords.

APPG Team

Full Time Staff at APPG International Freedom of Religion or Belief

Julie Jones
Director

Before joining the APPG Julie was a trustee on the Interfaith Network UK and served there as the interfaith representative for Wales for the devolved nations. She was also the vice-chair of the Interfaith Council of Wales (ICW), the elected member of the ICW for the Welsh government. She has played an important role in increasing awareness of different faiths and promoting unity within different communities in Wales. 

Niwa Limbu
Junior Parliamentary Officer

Niwa Limbu is a university student deeply engaged in the world of politics, serving as a parliamentary officer for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Freedom of Religion or Belief. Balancing his academic pursuits with his passion for political advocacy, Niwa is particularly focused on the philosophy of freedom of religion. His work with the APPG allows him to contribute to discussions and policies that safeguard religious freedoms, a subject close to his heart. Despite his youth, Niwa brings a fresh perspective and a dedication to the principles of liberty and human rights in both his studies and his professional role.

APPG FoRB Members

Parliamentary Members from the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

House of Lords

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon
Lord Alton of Liverpool
Lord Anderson of Ipswich
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
Lord Boateng
Lord Brennan
Baroness Brinton
The Lord Bishop of Bristol
Lord Carey of Clifton
Lord Clarke of Hampstead
Lord Collins of Highbury
The Lord Bishop of Coventry
Baroness Cox
Lord Curry of Kirkharle
Lord Dholakia
Lord Dodds of Duncairn
Lord Eames
Baroness Eaton
Lord Evans of Weardale
Lord Green of Deddington
Lord Griffiths of Burry Port
The Lord Bishop of Guildford
Lord Hastings of Scarisbrick
The Lord Bishop of Hereford
Lord Hunt of Kings Heath
Baroness Hooper
Lord Hylton
Lord Jackson of Peterborough
The Lord Bishop of Leeds
Lord Loomba
Lord Moylan
The Lord Bishop of Newcastle
Lord Parekh
The Lord Bishop of Peterborough
Lord Polak
Lord Popat
Lord Rennard
Baroness Sherlock
Lord Singh of Wimbledon
Baroness Smith of Newnham
The Lord Bishop of St Albans
Baroness Stroud
Lord Suri
Lord Triesman
Baroness Verma
Baroness Whitaker
Lord Whitby
Lord Wigley
The Lord Bishop of Winchester
The Lord Bishop of Worcester

“Human Rights are not a privilege conferred by government.  They are every human beings entitlement by virtue of their humanity”

– Mother Teresa –