Written Question: Coptic Christians in Sudan

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Sudan and international partners about ensuring that Coptic Christian communities are able to worship and rebuild places of worship, following reports that a local authority halted reconstruction and worship at a Coptic church in Northern State.

Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington)

I refer the Noble Lord to the answer provided on 27 May in response to Question 2 in the House of Commons - which for ease of reference is reproduced below:

The UK continues to use our position as penholder at the UN Security Council and leader of the core group on Sudan at the Human Rights Council to keep a spotlight on, and take actions in response to, the human rights situation in Sudan. In November 2025, our Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith MP, made a statement at the event held in Czechia to mark the fifth anniversary of the Article 18 Alliance, laying out the UK's ambitious FoRB strategy and reinforcing our belief that FoRB is central to global stability, including in Sudan.