The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group is a cross-party group of Members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of all the main parties, including members from the Crossbenches in the Lords.
The Group has grown rapidly, from its first beginnings in the 1960s; in 1996 it had 47 members and at the end of the 2019-24 Parliament it had over 115. Associate membership of the Group is also open to staff of MPs and peers and staff working for the House of Commons or House of Lords. The Group is not part of Humanists UK, but Humanists UK provides the secretariat for the Group.
The Group meets around four times a year to hear speakers and discuss relevant issues, as well as to share information and receive briefings on matters of interest. These matters are wide-ranging and include the promotion of a rational approach to bioethical, medical, and scientific issues; the defence of free speech, civil liberties, and education; constitutional issues and freedom of religion or belief; and other issues of relevance to humanists.
In July 2024, members elected the following individuals as officers:
Chair: Rachel Hopkins MP (Labour)
Vice Chair: Sian Berry MP (Green)
Vice Chair: Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrats)
Secretary: Dr Kieran Mullan MP (Conservative)
Reports of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group
Over the years, members of the APPHG has explored issues relating to humanists and the non-religious through holding its own inquiries and conducting original research. Some of its official published reports are collected below.
Time for Reflection
The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group examined the treatment of religion or belief in the UK Parliament, including practices like appointing bishops to the House of Lords and use of ‘prayer cards’.
Any Lawful Impediment?
The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group published this report on its inquiry into delays legalising humanist marriage in England and Wales.
No Lawful Impediment
An examination of the case for legal marriage reform, including humanist marriages, in light of the then-ongoing Law Commission review of domestic marriage law .
More information
For more information you can email Thomas Mohan, APPHG Secretariat and Humanists UK Public Affairs and Policy Officer.