(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in the UK planned a rally and a march in the center of London on July 19 and 20, 2025 to mark the 26th anniversary of their efforts to expose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) persecution. Elected officials and other dignitaries sent letters to condemn the persecution and commend the practitioners for their unwavering faith and peaceful resistance to the CCP’s brutality.

Elected officials and other dignitaries sent letters to condemn the persecution and commend Falun Dafa practitioners in July 2025.

Top row (from left to right): The Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP (Member of Parliament), Opposition Whip (Commons) and Shadow Paymaster General; Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP; Preet Kaur Gill MP; Gregory James Stafford MP; Dr. Caroline Johnson MP; and Baggy Shanker MP.

Bottom row (from left to right): Brendan O’Hara MP; Baroness (Ruth) Lister; Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament); Bob Doris MSP; Ariane Burgess MSP; and John Mason MSP. (Compiled by Minghui.org)

The Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP, Opposition Whip (Commons) and Shadow Paymaster GeneralLetter from The Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP

The letter reads, “I remain deeply concerned about the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other religious and ethnic groups.

“The testimonies of those affected are distressing, and this mistreatment is one of the many reasons why China continues to be listed as one of the UK’s human rights priority countries.

“Freedom of belief, whether religious or non-religious, is a fundamental right. The UK must continue to raise these concerns directly with the Chinese authorities and-through international forums. Decisions such as the proposed new Chinese Embassy site in London must also be made with national security and human rights considerations in mind.

“I am also troubled by reports of harassment and intimidation of Falun Gong practitioners outside China, including here in the UK. Such transnational repression is unacceptable and must be met with a clear response.

“I commend all those who stand peacefully for truth, compassion and tolerance. Thank you for raising awareness and for continuing to speak out in defence of fundamental freedoms.”

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MPLetter from Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP

Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP stated in her letter, “It is alarming to hear of the levels of religious persecution towards Falun Gong practitioners from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). I extend my solidarity to all those across the globe who continue to face religious persecution.

“Religious freedom is something that we in the UK are fortunate to enjoy, but sadly others across the globe do not. We as a nation must stand against all forms of persecution, including religious persecution and work as part of a global community to ensure that all are free to express their religious beliefs without fear of harm.

“I firmly believe the UK must be vocal in its condemnation of States and regimes that persecute people because of religious beliefs. I will always campaign to protect freedom of religious expression here in the UK and abroad and believe we as a nation must do more to promote religious freedom.”

Preet Kaur Gill MPLetter from Preet Kaur Gill MP

Preet Kaur Gill MP wrote, “I remain deeply concerned about the persecution of people on the grounds of their religion or belief in China, be it Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, Christians, Buddhists, or Falun Gong practitioners. The freedom to practise, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy.

“I am aware of the incredibly disturbing allegations that have been reported over several years about human organ harvesting in China. I also understand that minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, may be being specifically targeted.

“In late 2014, Chinese authorities announced that the country would stop the practice of harvesting organs from executed prisoners. The implementation of this policy would be an important step. However, I know that more recent reports have said that the practice continues, including the judgment of the China Tribunal initiated by the International Coalition to End Transplant Abuse in China (ETAC). Indeed, the China Tribunal concluded that forced organ harvesting has been committed for years throughout China on a significant scale, with Falun Gong practitioners and the Uighurs being the main victims.

“I believe the UK Government must ask further questions of Chinese authorities on this matter and ensure that it continues to review any new evidence that is presented. I believe the UK Government should also press the World Health Organization for a clear response to the China Tribunal’s findings and a proper independent assessment.

“I will continue to press the UK Government to send a clear message that we will not stand by and we will not tolerate such gross abuses of human rights.”

Gregory James Stafford MP

Gregory James Stafford MP stated in his letter, “I would like to recognise Falun Gong and to thank my constituent, Mrs. Li, for her continued engagement and for raising awareness of the human rights abuses faced by practitioners in China. Through our ongoing conversations, we have often shared deep concerns about the increasingly repressive direction of the Chinese Communist Party, from the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020 on a once free and democratic Hong Kong, to the transnational oppression that many Chinese people are facing living peacefully in the UK.

“The treatment of Falun Gong—a peaceful spiritual practice—exemplifies the CCP’s broader assault on freedom of belief, conscience, and expression. These abuses are not only a humanitarian crisis but part of a pattern that represents a growing threat to democratic values and international norms.

“I will continue to use my platform in Parliament to call the Chinese Communist Party out for what it is: a threat to our democracy and to the values we hold dear in the West.”

Dr. Caroline Johnson MP

Dr. Caroline Johnson MP stated in her letter, “The freedom to practice, change or share one’s faith or belief without discrimination or violent opposition is a human right that all people should enjoy. I am committed to defending freedom of religion or belief for all, and to promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.

“I share your concern about the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners and other groups in China. I find their testimonies distressing and their treatment is one of many reasons why the previous Government designated China as one of 32 human rights priority countries for the UK.

“It is crucial that the UK continues to raise human rights concerns, including on the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, directly with the Chinese authorities and in multilateral fora.”

Baggy Shanker MP

Baggy Shanker MP wrote, “The Government acknowledges that within China, the environment for freedom of religion or belief is restrictive, which includes the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners.

“Please be assured that this Labour Government will work to uphold the right to freedom of religion and belief for all abroad, for example through bilateral engagement.

“The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Chancellor all raised human rights on visits with their counterparts.

“Within the UK, I can assure you that attempts by foreign governments to intimidate, harass, or harm our residents will not be tolerated.

“We have a broad suite of powers available to counter this threat, and we continue to implement measures in the National Security Act 2023, which make the UK a harder target for those states which seek to conduct hostile acts.”

Brendan O’Hara MP

Brendan O’Hara MP wrote, “On behalf of the Scottish National Party, I am honoured to send you our very best wishes for today’s event, and to guarantee you our continued support as you face intensifying persecution from within China and increasing transnational repression of Falun Gong practitioners abroad.

“The freedom to practice one’s religion or belief is a fundamental human right. It is no different from any other of those Human Rights we all cherish, and as such, the international community has a responsibility to protect it.

“For almost three decades the Chinese Communist Party has mistreated and abused your faith community in the most brutal and inhumane fashion, by imprisoning, torturing and killing practitioners, while the world has – in the main – remained largely silent or looked the other way.

“Not even the findings of The China Tribunal, or the report of the UN Special Rapporteurs on Minority Issues and on Freedom of Religion or Belief which both established beyond any doubt that the Falun Gong have been, and continue to be, subjected to the most awful crimes including the unspeakably horrific practice of organ harvesting, have forced the international community into any meaningful action against the CCP.

“But please be assured that there are voices inside the UK parliament who will continue to speak out against these atrocities, and who will keep on advocating for the right of every person – wherever they are in the world – to have that fundamental human right to freely practice their religion and to openly express their deeply held beliefs.”

Baroness (Ruth) Lister

Ruth Lister, Baroness Lister of Burtersett, stated, “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.”

Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP

Foysol Choudhury MBE MSP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development for the Scottish Parliament, stated in his letter, “Thank you for your email regarding the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners - an issue that continues to concern me.

“Please be assured that this important matter has been raised by several of my UK Labour colleagues. They have voiced strong concerns over human rights violations against Falun Gong practitioners and have unequivocally condemned their persecution in China.

“Whilst this remains a reserved matter, it is important that we, in Scotland, safeguard the rights and freedoms of Falun Gong practitioners from any potential threats. I will be writing to Edinburgh Council to ask them whether there has been any threats in the past and if so, what measures of protection are currently in place- not only for Falun Gong practitioners in Scotland but also for Shen Yun performers who showcase their traditional performing arts annually at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

“Please rest assured that Scottish Labour remains committed to raising constituents’ concerns about religious and belief-based repression. We will continue to engage with international platforms to raise awareness of the persecution faced by the Falun Gong community.”

Bob Doris MSPLetter from Bob Doris MSP

Bob Doris MSP wrote, “I am aware there have been worrying developments in the last 12 months, with the Chinese Government said to be increasing transnational efforts to repress Falun Gong diaspora practicing their faith outside China.

“The continued repression and denial of basic civil liberties that have been perpetrated by the Chinese state has been well documented. These crimes are an ongoing moral and ethical scandal.

“I know that the international community has sought over the years to offer constructive engagement with the Chinese authorities on such matters, including seeking to apply some diplomatic pressure, however that engagement has not brought any admission of culpability from China, nor I am aware of any relenting of the treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

“It is to be welcomed that in recent years legislation has passed both in the United States House of Representatives and in the European Parliament, condemning the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. It is important that such diplomatic pressure continues and indeed increases going forward.

“I am always encouraged to hear where progress is being made in this crucial campaign against these injustices, while I am of course concerned to hear of further escalation of these human rights abuses. It is why the ongoing campaign by the UK Falun Dafa Association- and indeed others- remain as vital as ever to continue to draw international attention to these human rights violations.”

Ariane Burgess MSP

The letter from the office of Ariane Burgess MSP stated, “Ariane is deeply concerned by the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong practitioners in China and the credible, well-documented reports of human rights abuses, including forced organ harvesting. These actions represent a grave violation of fundamental freedoms and international human rights standards.

“I note that an Australian Green politician is currently steering a private members’ bill through parliament there to seek to prevent organ transplant tourism. The Scottish Greens have consistently stood in solidarity with those facing oppression and persecution around the world.

“With international relations largely reserved to Westminster, the Scottish Parliament has limited opportunities to make Scotland’s voice heard on the world stage. But that does not mean we do not have a role to play, now as a devolved power or in the future as an independent country.

“Our manifesto commitment to a foreign policy rooted in peace, justice, and human rights reflects our belief that governments must be held accountable for such abuses, and that Scotland has a role to play in standing up for those whose voices are silenced.

“Ariane is aware of the growing international recognition of these issues, including the recent resolutions passed by the US House of Representatives and the European Parliament. She welcomes these developments and supports calls for the UK and Scottish governments to take a firmer stance against transnational repression and to protect the rights of those practising their beliefs peacefully.”

John Mason MSP

John Mason MSP stated in his letter, “The situation for human rights in China has clearly been a cause for concern over a number of years. The intolerance towards Falun Gong has been perhaps the most obvious example of this. However, Muslims, Christians, and Tibetans have also all suffered through Government repression.

“I myself am chair of the Cross Party Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in the Scottish Parliament. We take an interest in countries around the world where such freedom is lacking. And it is so disappointing that China with its tremendous history and potential to be a global leader in so many ways, has taken this intolerant attitude to Falun Gong and others who disagree with the regime from a political, faith, or other perspective.

“I do call on the Chinese Government to reconsider its approach to Freedom of Religion or Belief. I strongly believe that the whole country would benefit from having more freedom and respect for individual rights. Therefore, I wish Falun Gong practitioners and all who seek increased tolerance in China my very best wishes for all your endeavours.”