Parliamentary humanists call for end of ‘prayer privilege’ in the Commons

The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) has called for an end to ‘prayer privilege’ in the House of Commons. It has done so in response to a call for evidence by the Modernisation Committee.

The Committee was set up after the King’s Speech to consider ‘reforms to House of Commons procedures, standards, and working practices.’ The APPHG called for an end to the current practices of having prayers at the start of every session and allocating seats for the day based on attendance at those prayers; and the lack of a non-religious pastoral carer.

Currently every day in the Commons starts with Anglican prayers, even though most people are non-religious and this is currently the most non-religious Parliament ever. This is only made worse by the system of prayer cards. MPs who attend prayers can use a prayer card to reserve their seat for the rest of the day. As there are only 427 seats for 650 MPs this means on busy days such as Prime Minister’s Questions those MPs who don’t attend prayers and their constituents are at a disadvantage as those MPs who are left standing are much less likely to be picked by the speaker to contribute. No parliamentarian should be put at a democratic disadvantage due to their religion or belief. 

The APPHG told the Committee that as a result of prayer-based seat allocation in the Commons, non-religious MPs were ‘less likely to be heard due’ and this meant that MPs and their constituents were being ‘discriminated against’ on the basis of their religion or belief.

The APPHG also called for the introduction of a non-religious pastoral carer, which would bring the House of Commons in line with other parliaments, such as the Senedd in Wales. Currently the Speaker of the House by custom appoints a Church of England chaplain. However no provisions are made for non-Anglican pastoral carers or chaplains. The UK Parliament lags behind on this issue. The evidence calls for ‘pastoral carers from different religions and beliefs, including a non-religious pastoral carer,’ to be appointed to ‘ensure that the wellbeing needs of non-Anglican MPs and staff are much more adequately met.’

Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented:

‘We welcome the APPHG’s calls to modernise the House of Commons. Democracy should be impartial, inclusive, and representative of the diverse beliefs of the people it serves. Ending the “prayer privilege” in Parliament is a necessary step toward ensuring that no MP is disadvantaged based on their religion or belief. It’s time for our institutions to reflect the modern, pluralistic society we represent, including offering non-religious pastoral support and dismantling outdated practices that prioritise one religion or belief over others.’