Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill

1 Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

(1)

There continues to be a special envoy called the Prime Minister’s Special
Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief.

(2)

The special envoy is to be appointed by, and may be removed from office at
any time by, a Minister of the Crown.

(3)

The special envoy must act with a view to—

(a)

promoting freedom of religion or belief abroad, in particular by
working with the government of the United Kingdom, with other
governments and their representatives (including special envoys), and
with organisations outside government;

(b)

raising awareness of cases in which people abroad are persecuted or
discriminated against on the grounds of religion or belief and
advocating for the rights of such people.

(4)

The special envoy must from time to time give a report about their work to
the Prime Minister.

(5)

A Minister of the Crown may give the special envoy directions about the
exercise of their functions.

(6)

A Minister of the Crown—

(a)

must provide the special envoy with such staff, accommodation,
equipment and other facilities as the Minister considers necessary for
the carrying out of the special envoy’s functions;

(b)

may pay allowances or other payments to or in respect of the special
envoy.

(7)

The special envoy’s functions are exercisable on behalf of the Crown.

2 Commencement, extent and short title

(1)

This Act comes into force on the day on which it is passed.

(2)

This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

(3)

This Act may be cited as the Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief
Act 2024.