The All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG) is a cross-party group made up of non-religious MPs and peers from the House of Commons and House of Lords. It’s been a voice for humanists in Parliament since the 1960s. With a membership of well over 115 MPs and peers, it promotes policies that will foster a kinder, more tolerant society.
In recent years, the APPHG has worked to repeal blasphemy laws in England and Wales, to legalise same-sex marriage, to introduce compulsory Relationships and Sex Education in schools, gain legal recognition for humanist marriages, and address religious discrimination within Parliament. Its members have argued for compassionate assisted dying laws and advocated for fairer school admissions. Further back in time, the Group was influential in efforts to decriminalise homosexuality and abortion and to abolish the death penalty.
A humanist voice in Westminster
Members of the APPHG meet around four times a year to hear speakers, discuss relevant issues, 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 isn’t a part of Humanists UK, but Humanists UK provides the 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.
Elected officers
The elected officers for the current parliamentary session are:
- Chair: Tommy Sheppard MP (Scottish National Party)
- Co-Chair: Baroness Bakewell DBE (Labour)
- Secretary: Aaron Bell MP (Conservative)
- Vice Chairs: Clive Lewis MP (Labour), Jeff Smith MP (Labour), Baroness Massey of Darwen (Labour), Lord Warner of Brockley (Crossbencher), Lord Taverne of Pimlico (Liberal Democrats), Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrats)
- Treasurer: Lord Dubs of Battersea (Labour)
Elections for officer positions take place each year.
Find out more
For more information about the APPHG, you can email Karen Wright, Humanists UK Public Affairs Manager and APPHG Administrator.
You may also be interested in learning about Humanists in Government (for civil servants and other people working in government), Humanist Councillors (for local elected politicians), and Defence Humanists (encompassing Ministry of Defence staff alongside Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families).