Petition Remove all Bishops from the House of Lords

Remove all 26 Church of England bishops appointed to the House of Lords by the UK Parliament and end the automatic right for bishops to be appointed seats.

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The UK is a Christian minority country; for the first time, the census in England and Wales reflects this - there is no reasonable justification in a fair democracy for bishops to vote on laws in the House of Lords.

This is an undemocratic and unusual practice. The only country other than the UK to appoint clerics to its legislature is Iran.

Public institutions should be inclusive and representative of the UK's diverse society, without giving special privileges to members of one faith.

This petition is closed This petition ran for 6 months

1,200 signatures

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Bishops in the House of Lords debated by MPs

MPs held a debate on bishops in the House of Lords on Thursday 6 July in Westminster Hall. The debate was led by Tommy Sheppard MP.

What is a Westminster Hall debate?

Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

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Date closed 5 June 2023
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Petition Remove all Bishops from the House of Lords

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What is a Westminster Hall debate?

Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament