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Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Crispin Blunt (Conservative), on Friday, 11 January 2019, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 16 members in total.

PARLIAMENTARY PRAYERS

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.

Amendments

The Early day motion has received an amendment.

PARLIAMENTARY PRAYERS (1967A1)
The Early day motion has received an amendment sponsored by Keith Vaz (primary, Labour) and tabled on Thursday, 17 January 2019. It has been signed by 5 members in total.
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.”

Secondary information

Type
Early day motion
Reference
1967 
1967A1 
Session
2017-19
Other sponsors
Tommy Sheppard
Kelvin Hopkins
Nia Griffith
Layla Moran
Tom Brake
Related items
House of Commons: Prayer
Monday, 4 February 2019
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
House of Commons Parliamentary procedure Prayer
Link
View this Early day motion on edm.parliament.uk