As Members of Parliament return to their constituencies for the summer recess, BHA members are being encouraged to speak to their representatives about their concerns over religious discrimination in the admissions and employment practices of publicly funded ‘faith’ schools and the potential erosion of shared public services.
The BHA is contacted frequently by people with concerns over ‘faith’ schools, and in recent months alone have we supported a number of campaigns including in Kingston, in North Yorkshire and in the Isle of Wight.
The practice of contracting out public services to religious groups which have exemptions from some equality laws is already in place, and as a part of the government’s Big Society agenda, it is likely we will see more cases of central or local government contracts being passed from public authorities or secular charities to religious organisations.
BHA Head of Public Affairs Naomi Phillips commented: ‘We know from speaking to MPs that the BHA’s campaigns work provides a valuable, informed and distinctive voice on a number of issues. However, one of the most effective ways of communicating the importance of an issue is for an MP to hear concerns at their surgery from a person they are directly accountable to, and have been elected to serve.
‘Recess is a relatively quiet pause in an otherwise immensely busy timetable, and affords MPs an opportunity to reflect on the impact of legislation on day-to-day life without the distractions of the House of Commons’ division bell, three-line whips and the Westminster media circus. This is why it is the ideal time to contact your MP about your concerns on a local level.
‘Naturally MPs will use part of the recess for their own break, but we would strongly encourage BHA members who have been affected by these issues on a local level to contact their MP while their focus is firmly on constituency matters.’
See our Take Action page for more details on what you can discuss and how to contact your MP