Remove bishops from the Lords, NSS tells parliamentary committee

Removing seats reserved for clergy is the "obvious place to start" any House of Lords reform, the National Secular Society has told a parliamentary committee.

Responding to a call for evidence from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, the NSS said the continued presence of bishops in the legislature is "impossible to justify".

The UK is the only western democracy in which clerics hold seats in the legislature as of right, with Iran – a theocratic regime– being the only other country to do so.

The NSS said the current system, under which 26 seats in the House of Lords are granted to Church of England bishops, shows "institutional favouritism for one religion" that is "incompatible with a pluralistic nation that aspires to treat all citizens equally".

Rejecting the government's statement that "bishops see their role as speaking for those of all faiths", the NSS argued that such a claim is "patronising" and "fails to explain why religious perspectives should be afforded special status".

The bishops have frequently used their role in the upper chamber to block progressive legislation on issues such as same-sex marriage and assisted dying, as well as to secure exemptions and concessions in equality law. This lobbying often runs contrary to the views of the majority of the British public and even Anglican congregations.

As the 2021 census revealed, Christians now account for less than half of England and Wales's population. Less than 1% of the population in England now attend Anglican services on a typical Sunday.

British Social Attitude surveys have also shown that most Britons do not belong to any religion, with minority faiths seeing significant growth in recent decades.

An ICM poll, commissioned in 2010 by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, found that 74% of the population – including 70% of Christians – believe it is wrong that any Church of England bishops are given an automatic seat in the House of Lords.

In light of the religiously diverse and irreligious state of modern Britain, the privileged position maintained for one denomination of one faith is "archaic, unfair and undemocratic", the NSS said.

It also warned that failing to abolish the bishops' bench would lead to calls for increased religious representation in parliament, particularly of other faiths, which would be "wholly unworkable and risk creating sectarian tensions".

NSS: Abolition of bishops' bench should be "pursued as a priority"

Stephen Evans, chief executive of the NSS, said: "Any proposals to strengthen the UK's democratic and constitutional institutions must address the unjustifiable religious privilege at their heart.

"Removing the automatic right of bishops to seats in the House of Lords is an example of an incremental reform that can be completed short of wholesale reform, and should be pursued as a priority.

"Liberating the House of Lords from the confines of tradition and privilege will help foster a truly inclusive secular democracy that reflects the evolving religious landscape and values of our society."

The call for evidence closes on September 8^th. Responses can be submitted here.

Image: The Archbishop of Canterbury speaking during House of Lords tributes to Prince Philip on 12 April 2021. Credit: Roger Harris, Wikimedia Commons