Humanists in Parliament
A humanist voice in Westminster since the 1960s
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.
- Around 130MPs and peers
- 1960swhen it first met
- Fourmeetings a year
About the Group
The Group has grown rapidly, from its first beginnings in the 1960s; in 1996 it had 47 members and it now has around 130. 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.
The Group’s officers
Officers are elected each year. The current officers are:
Chair
Lizzi Collinge MP
Labour Party
Vice Chair
Siân Berry MP
Green Party of England and Wales
Vice Chair
Christine Jardine MP
Liberal Democrats
Secretary
Dr Kieran Mullan MP
Conservative Party
Reports of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group
Over the years, the APPHG has explored issues relating to humanists and the non-religious through its own inquiries and original research. Here are some of its published reports.
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 the use of ‘prayer cards’.
Any Lawful Impediment?
The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group’s report on its inquiry into delays in 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.
The Group and Humanists UK
The APPHG isn’t part of Humanists UK, but Humanists UK provides its secretariat and supports members with parliamentary business. Alongside its full members, staff working for MPs, peers, the House of Commons, or the House of Lords are welcome to join as associate members.
For more information about the APPHG, or to join as an associate member, email Karen Wright, APPHG Secretariat and Humanists UK Public Affairs Manager.