Motion text
That this House recognises that religious worship should not play any part in the formal business of the House of Commons; believes that parliamentary meetings should be conducted in a manner equally welcoming to all attendees, irrespective of their personal beliefs; further believes that Parliamentary Prayers are not compatible with a society which respects the principle of freedom of and from religion; urges that prayers should not form part of the official business of Parliament; and calls on the Procedure Committee to consider alternative arrangements.
Signatures (16)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Blunt, Crispin
Conservative
Signed on
11 January 2019
Griffith, Nia
Labour
Signed on
11 January 2019
Moran, Layla
Liberal Democrat
Signed on
11 January 2019
Sheppard, Tommy
Scottish National Party
Signed on
11 January 2019
Hopkins, Kelvin
Independent
Signed on
15 January 2019
Brake, Tom
Liberal Democrat
Signed on
15 January 2019
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Sobel, Alex
Labour
Signed on
16 January 2019
Dent Coad, Emma
Labour
Signed on
17 January 2019
Russell-Moyle, Lloyd
Labour
Signed on
28 January 2019
Godsiff, Mr Roger
Labour
Signed on
29 January 2019
Stringer, Graham
Labour
Signed on
31 January 2019
Williamson, Chris
Labour
Signed on
31 January 2019
Zeichner, Daniel
Labour
Signed on
5 February 2019
Lucas, Caroline
Green Party
Signed on
5 February 2019
Cadbury, Ruth
Labour
Signed on
13 February 2019
These members had previously signed the motion, but have now withdrawn their support. The date shown is when the Member withdrew their signature from the motion.
Amendments (1)
After a motion has been tabled, other Members can table amendments to it. Amendments to this motion are shown below.
PARLIAMENTARY PRAYERS (Amendment 1)
Line 1, leave out from “House” to end and insert “recognises the importance of prayer to the work of Members, whatever their faith or beliefs; understands that prayers have been a central part of the work of this House since 1558, and that it has followed its present form since the reign of Charles II; commends the way in which the Speaker’s Chaplain leads prayers, which provide a time for reflection, perspective and calm ahead of the important work of the House; and recognises that Members are under no obligation to participate, should they object to such proceedings.”
5
signatures
EDM 1967A1: tabled on 17 January 2019