Baroness Cox: A voice for the voiceless

Spurred on by her Christian faith, Baroness Caroline Cox has spent most of her political career drawing attention to the plight of persecuted people both at home and around the world. And she hasn’t been afraid to court controversy in the process. Most recently, she has argued the UK is prolonging the war in Syria and failing to acknowledge that Islamic State is far worse than the Assad regime. Previously, while president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), she was criticised for her policy of buying slaves their freedom in Sudan. Her 2009 invitation to Dutch politician Geert Wilders to screen his anti-radical-Islam film Fitna in the House of Lords led to the home secretary refusing the far-right politician’s entry into the UK. Cox described it as a blow for free speech. In this in depth interview with Premier's Justin Brierley, the founder of Humanitarian Aid and Relief Trust (HART) recounts the highs and lows of her fascinating career so far. Her work often places her in highly dangerous situations. She's observed wars, conflicts and atrocities around the world. So does Lady Cox ever feel afraid? "Yes," she responds, "I get scared stiff. But I love the phrase: 'Courage is a fear that has said its prayers.'"  For more information on Baronness Cox, visit her website baronesscox.com To take advantage of Premier Christianity's limited HALF PRICE subscription offer visit premierchristianity.com/subscribe