WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has urged the Government to offer asylum to a woman who was sentenced to death in Pakistan after being accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed.

Asia Bibi spent nine years on death row after being convicted of blasphemy in 2010, but was acquitted earlier this year.

Pakistan villagers claimed that the mum had made derogatory remarks about the Prophet after other women refused to drink water from the same cup as her because she was Christian.

But despite being cleared of the allegations, 53-year-old Ms Bibi has not been allowed to leave the country.

Now Warrington North member Mrs Jones has called on foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt to allow her to live in the UK as a refugee under efforts to tackle 'the persecution of Christians around the world'.

Mr Hunt this week released a new report on the matter, which revealed that 80 per cent of people in across the glove suffering for their religious beliefs are Christians.

Speaking in the Commons during Foreign Office Questions, Mrs Jones said that Mr Hunt could 'go one step further in contesting the persecution of Christians around the world' by offering asylum in the UK to Ms Bibi.

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The foreign secretary replied that 'making sure she is safe is a top priority for the Government', adding that he has had 'numerous discussions with the Pakistani government and is hopeful of a positive outcome'.