This week’s public debate about the role of faith in Britain today has thrown up some curious myths about the Church of England … and indeed about the presence of 26 of its Bishops in the House of Lords. I am a practising Anglican (trying to improve) but I have been firmly committed to disestablishment…
Monday sees the return of Peers to the chamber of the House. The recess always leaves the House feeling a bit empty even if you do see Lords there from time to time – usually dealing with correspondence, using the library or having meetings of one type or another. We will be dealing with some final…
There have been two unusual features of the House this morning. After Question Time, there was a Private Notice Question – in effect, an emergency question – on the Government’s decision to ban the Dutch MP Geert Wilders from entering the UK. The minister, Admiral Lord West, faced a series of critical questions, but did…
The recent death of Conservative peer Lord Cuckney has meant that the Conservative strength in the House of Lords has now dipped below 200, leaving it with seven less seats than the cross-benchers. According to the latest issue of The House Magazine, the composition of the House is now: Labour 214 Cross-benchers 206 Conservatives 199…
The House on Friday will be debating a motion moved by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I am regularly asked about the role of the Bishops in the House. It clearly fascinates some people. There is interest in what they do as well as what can and should be done about the representation of other faiths.…
