A government minister has attempted to reassure humanists concerned about the appointment of the MP for Sandbach as a special envoy on freedom of religion or belief.

Humanists UK were "alarmed" by the appointment when it was announced in December due to her beliefs and voting record on issues like gay marriage and abortion as well as an alleged attempt to block humanism being taught in schools.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, a human rights minister at the foreign office, has come out to reassure the group over the governments support for the rights of humanists, women and LGBT people.

The minister said: "The UK is committed to defending freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all, and promoting respect between different religious and non-religious communities.

"Promoting the right to FoRB is one of the UK's longstanding human rights priorities. Human rights are universal and apply equally to all people. We are opposed to all forms of discrimination, and work to uphold the rights and freedoms of women and girls (including their sexual and reproductive health and rights), and of LGBT people in all circumstances."

While the group welcomed Lord Ahmad's assurances, the group remain uneasy about Mrs Bruce remaining in the position

Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson said: "We are still concerned that the Special Envoy is someone who has not, in the past, shared that commitment, but we look forward to working with her in her new role as she turns the Government's commitments into concrete action."