Jeremy Hunt launches bid to protect world’s Christians from persecution

FOREIGN Secretary Jeremy Hunt launches a bid to save Christians around the world from persecution – after 250 were killed each month this year.

The Tory, who this month admitted he wants to be PM, said Britain had a duty to stand up for Christians as it does Jehovah’s witnesses and Yazidis.

He is charging the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Reverend Philip Mounstephen to make recommendations to the Government.

The review will be centred around mapping the level of Christian persecution across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

The Foreign Office also wants to provide an “objective analysis” of current Government support.

And it will provide recommendations on a more “cohesive and comprehensive” policy response.

Armed gangs are alleged to have wiped out Christian communities in villages in Nigeria.

Egypt’s Coptic Christian community has also been the target of terror attacks. In all some 3,000 were murdered in 2018 because of their faith.

Jeremy Hunt said: “Britain has long championed international religious freedom.

“So often the persecution of Christians is a telling early warning sign of the persecution of every minority.”

Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Religious Freedom, added: “We are seeking to identify additional practical steps to help stop the appalling levels of violence that saw 3,000 Christians murdered last year because of their faith.

“I am absolutely committed to not only standing up for the persecuted, but protecting and strengthening this fundamental human right, working with key partners around the world.”