Christians are suffering persecution and prejudice in the United Kingdom, a West Midlands MP has claimed.

While Muslim organisations complain about Islamophobia, Christians are suffering from "rising Christianophobia", according to Mark Pritchard (Con The Wrekin). He has secured a Commons debate next week in which MPs will discuss the problem.

The MP said the debate would encourage better relations between people of all religions by highlighting the benefits Christianity brought to Britain.

He would also "seek to slay the fashionable dragon of political correctness" which led local councils and other bodies to downplay the Christian character of Christmas.

The debate is scheduled to last 90 minutes, suggesting a number of MPs have expressed an interest in taking part. Most Commons debates requested by backbench MPs last only 30 minutes.

Mr Pritchard said: "My debate will seek to encourage greater community cohesion and inter-faith understanding by recognising the many benefits the Christian faith has brought to Britain."