Speaking following the meeting, Mrs Lockhart said:

“It was a pleasure to meet with Simon Calvert from The Christian Institute, alongside my colleague Gavin Robinson MP. The Christian Institute continues to do vital work in promoting and protecting a Christian influence in a secular world, something that remains as important today as ever.

We had a wide-ranging and constructive discussion on a number of moral, ethical and legislative matters currently under consideration across the UK, including:

• The increasing threats to freedom of speech, and the importance of preserving open and respectful public discourse.
• The urgent need for robust age verification laws as part of wider online safety measures, to better protect children from harmful and explicit online content.
• The deeply concerning push by some campaigners for the decriminalisation of abortion, which raises serious moral and legal questions.
• The risks and ethical implications of proposals to introduce assisted suicide legislation, which pose potential dangers to vulnerable people in our society.
• The inadequacy of current gambling laws in Northern Ireland, and the pressing need for meaningful reform to reduce harm and provide greater safeguards for individuals and families.

It is always encouraging to spend time with organisations that speak with moral clarity and stand firm on biblical truth. The Christian Institute has long been a voice for Christians across the UK, and their thoughtful and well-informed advocacy plays a crucial role in the parliamentary process.

The support of the Christian community they represent provides strength and encouragement to those of us in Parliament who seek to uphold Christian principles in public policy.

I want to thank The Christian Institute for their ongoing engagement, for the clarity they bring to complex issues, and for their steadfast commitment to faith-based values in our national life.”