The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today reacted to the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday that he hopes the government can work towards a predominantly elected second Chamber. In answer to a question in the Commons by Douglas Carswell MP, David Cameron repeated the announcement from the coalition government’s agreement paper that a draft motion on the issue will be put to the house for debate and vote before the end of this year.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, commented, ‘We strongly believe that the House of Lords needs reform and we are concerned that the government may miss this opportunity to rectify one of the most worrying aspects of the Chamber; the existence of 26 Bishops as of right.
‘We sincerely hope that government action on the House of Lords means no retained role for the Bishops. Although they claim to represent the ethical viewpoint, their opinions may in fact be controversial and rejected by a clear majority of people in the UK with equally sincerely held convictions – even by a majority of those who define themselves as Protestants.
‘The UK is the only liberal democracy to reserve seats for the Church in its legislative framework. We urge the government to take into account the fact that continuing the privileged position of the Bishops would lead to an unrepresentative, undemocratic and illegitimate House of Lords.’
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For further comment or information, contact Naomi Phillips, BHA Head of Public Affairs, on 07540 257101 or 020 7079 3585.
Read more about the BHA’s work on Bishops in the Lords.
Read a BHA briefing on Bishops in the Lords.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing and supporting the growing population of ethically concerned, non-religious. It is the largest organisation in the UK campaigning for a secular state and an end to discrimination based on religion or belief.