The UK is currently in the middle of party conference season, when all the political parties gather to discuss policy ideas and their respective visions for the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Reform have already held theirs. Labour and Conservative conferences remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For those of us committed to defending human rights, and freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in particular, this season is about more than party gatherings and internal discussions. It is an opportunity to observe how political leaders are shaping policy at home and abroad in real time – and to engage, challenge, and push for FoRB to be central in those debates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As the party in government, Labour shapes the UK\u2019s domestic and international priorities. Listen for whether human rights are embedded in foreign policy priorities, especially in relation to trade, diplomacy, and international development. With David Smith MP as the UK\u2019s Special Envoy for FoRB, the question is not just whether FoRB will be mentioned, but how strongly it is prioritised within the government\u2019s wider agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the official opposition, the Conservatives have more opportunities than other parties to challenge the government and present their own ideas. They may use their conference to set out a distinct vision on human rights and Britain\u2019s global role. Look out for whether FoRB and other fundamental rights are framed as part of the identity of a \u2018Global Britain\u2019, or whether they highlight concerns about the government\u2019s record so far on standing up for persecuted minorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThese conferences are where parties announce or signal key policy priorities for the remainder of the year, road-test language and framing that will influence parliamentary debates and government priorities, and demonstrate to members, media, and the public which issues are front of mind.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
If FoRB or wider human rights protections are not part of these conversations, they risk being pushed to the margins of policy making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Look Out For<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When tuning into coverage (whether speeches, fringe events, or press commentary), listen carefully for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
- Direct mentions of human rights<\/strong>\u00a0– References to \u2018universal human rights\u2019, \u2018international law\u2019 or the \u2018international rules-based system\u2019;\u00a0commitments to promote and protect fundamental rights through trade, diplomacy, or aid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Language about freedom of religion or belief<\/strong>\u00a0– Terms such as \u2018religious freedom\u2019, \u2018religious diversity\u2019, \u2018persecuted minorities\u2019, \u2018faith communities\u2019, or \u2018belief systems\u2019;\u00a0whether FoRB is framed positively (as a value Britain should champion) or defensively (as a culture-war issue).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Specific policy levers<\/strong>\u00a0– References to Magnitsky-style sanctions,1<\/a><\/sup> trade deals, or aid conditionality linked to rights; mentions of countries where FoRB violations are acute (such as China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, etc.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How rights are linked to domestic debates<\/strong>– Examples include migration, asylum, policing, or community cohesion often touching indirectly on FoRB and minority protections.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
How you can engage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Follow the conferences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most speeches and fringe events are livestreamed or covered in detail by media outlets. CSW will also monitor coverage and share key highlights on our social channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Make notes on mentions of FoRB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep track of which parties and which leaders mention FoRB specifically, or human rights in general. Was it only in passing? Was it connected to concrete policies?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Challenge your MP afterwards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When MPs return from conference season and parliament resumes, write to them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
- If FoRB\/human rights were not mentioned at all, ask why.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If only mentioned superficially, press for more details.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If a party made strong commitments, encourage your MP to ensure these are followed through in parliament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
4. Use the right questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When contacting your MP, you might ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
- What commitments did your party make on FoRB and human rights generally at conference?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How will you hold your leadership accountable to these promises?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If FoRB was overlooked, what steps will you take to raise it in parliament?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why this matters now<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With a new government and a reshuffled cabinet, priorities are still being formed – both in domestic policy and international relations. What is highlighted (or ignored) during conference season will signal which rights and freedoms are set to shape the UK\u2019s posture on the world stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If FoRB is absent now, it risks being absent in future decision-making. That is why your voice matters – raising questions, pressing MPs, and reminding political leaders that FoRB is not optional. It is a cornerstone of human dignity and democracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nParty conferences may feel distant or overly political, but they help determine cabinet and other appointments, shape language, and influence how rights are defended both at home and internationally. By listening carefully, asking the right questions, and holding leaders accountable, we can help ensure FoRB is at the heart of UK foreign policy.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
By CSW\u2019s UK Liaison Officer Chibuzor Tina Amadi<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
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