Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard raises question on religious intolerance
A Shropshire MP says he is concerned about the rise of religious intolerance in the UK.
Mark Pritchard, Tory MP for the Wrekin, posed a question in the House of Commons about the number of religious leaders who have been convicted of crimes against people of other religions.
Mr Pritchard said he was concerned about the issue because he is concerned about the rise in crimes against people of any religion.
Speaking today, Mr Pritchard said: "I believe in freedom of expression and religion – that is a fundamental right in our country. Hate crimes against persons from any religion should be prosecuted. Sadly, anti-Semitism and Christianophobia is on the rise in the UK."
Mr Pritchard asked Justice Secretary Michael Gove how many religious leaders have been convicted for contravening the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006 and Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 for crimes against Muslims, Jews, Israelis and Christians.
But Mr Gove replied that he couldn't give an answer because it would be "at disproportionate cost".
