UK Officials Write to Support Practitioners’ Rally to Commemorate April 25 Appeal

(Minghui.org) To commemorate the 27th anniversary of April 25 Appeal in Beijing, Falun Dafa practitioners in the UK will hold a rally in London on April 25, 2026. UK legislators wrote letters to express their support.

Seema Malhotra MP, Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Minister for Equalities

Seema Malhotra MP wrote, “This Government will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, especially in the UK. The freedom of speech and other fundamental rights of all people in the UK are protected under UK law, regardless of their nationality.

“I can assure you that I am firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief, and in being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right. Where individuals have concerns for their safety or believe a crime may have been committed, they are advised to contact their local police in the first instance.”

Feryal Clark MP

The letter from Feryal Clark MP reads, “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.

“I am particularly concerned by reports of intimidation and hostility linked to foreign state actors taking place on UK soil. As a Home Office spokesperson has made clear, the safety and security of individuals in the United Kingdom is of the utmost importance. Any attempt by a foreign state to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm individuals in the UK is considered a threat to our national security and sovereignty and will not be tolerated. The allegations you raise – including intimidation linked to cultural events and the violent assault of a Falun Gong practitioner in public – are deeply troubling and underscore the seriousness of the issue.

“I note with particular concern the coordinated bomb and death threats made against venues hosting Shen Yun performances earlier this year. Although found to be hoaxes, such actions place significant strain on public resources, disrupt civic life, and risk creating a climate of fear that is entirely incompatible with democratic values. These matters reinforce the need for ongoing vigilance and firm action against foreign interference and intimidation.

“I also recognise the wider historical context you outline and the longstanding persecution of Falun Gong practitioners since 1999. The findings of the 2019 China Tribunal, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Nice KC, remain deeply disturbing and inform ongoing international concern regarding severe human rights abuses.”

Patricia Ferguson MP

The letter from Patricia Ferguson MP reads, “The treatment of communities such as Uyghur Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Community Party is deeply concerning and should be treated with the upmost seriousness.

“In relation to the concerns that there may be actors seeking to impersonate Falun Gong practitioners and be targeting individuals such as elected officials, journalists and law enforcement, the Government have been clear that any attempt by a foreign state harass, intimidate or harm individuals or communities in the UK will not be tolerated.”

Cameron Thomas MP

Letter from Cameron Thomas MP

“Please be assured that I will stand against all forms of persecution and discrimination,” Cameron Thomas MP wrote. “As mentioned in previous correspondence from my office, I understand the threat that China poses to UK interests at home and abroad, and to its neighbours and own citizens. I will continue to lobby the Government to insist on our values in its engagements with the Chinese Communist Party.”

Baroness Fookes, Member of the House of Lords

Baroness Fookes wrote, “Thank you for your email expressing your deep concern not only about the persecution of peaceful Falun Gong practitioners in China but instances of intimidation and worse taking place in this country. I share those views and am happy for you to express them publicly on my behalf.”

Baroness Ruth Lister of Burtersett

Baroness Ruth Lister of Burtersett wrote, “As someone who knows the benefits of practising Tai Chi I very much support your campaign for a peaceful environment in which you have the right to practise Falun Gong. I wish you well for your rally.”