Freedom to Pray

In light of the recent judicial decision to ban prayers at the start of council meetings in Bideford, I welcome the announcement today by the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, to fast track a new general power of competence in the Localism Act. This remarkable new power enables councils to do anything that an individual in society can do unless it is specifically prohibited by law.

This includes the freedom to pray and hold prayers at the start of council meetings, should any council wish to do so. I was surprised and disappointed at the recent High Court ruling, and do not feel it was ever the intention of Parliament to prohibit council prayers when it passed the Local Government Act in 1972. Indeed, prayers are a common-day practice dating back many centuries and part of the historical fabric of council proceedings.

As a committed Christian myself, my faith informs my approach to public life. I and like-minded colleagues always start every day in the House of Commons with prayer, something that I always find to be a refreshing preparation for - and complement to - my duties, never a distraction from them.

I am pleased local councils will continue to enjoy moments of quiet religious reflection at the beginning of their meetings, should they so wish.

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