Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby (Richard Heathcote/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)The Archbishop of CanterburyJustin Welby has defended the House of Lords against Labour’s plans to abolish it, saying it “plays a vital role in Parliamentary democracy”.
Welby picked up a prize for best peer at the New Statesman’s first Positive Impact awards last night. In a speech read out by the magazine’s political editor Andrew Marr, Welby referred to his political work as part of his “calling”.
“The Houseof Lords is frequently criticised but it plays a vital role in Parliamentary democracy” he said. “We see ourselves as being there not only for constitutional reasons, or as an independent voice for those of faith, but for all those of faith and no faith who are kn the margins, who mightnot get a hearing in our political debates.”
He went on: “It’s not always comfortable but it is our calling as followers of Jesus Christ, I am proud to work alongside colleagues who have done much in recent years to make a positive impact campaigning on gambling reform, or the needs of refugees and asylum seekers, families of children struggling on benefits, highlighting human rights abuses overseas and much more.” Twenty-six bishops are among the 800-odd unelected Lords, but other religions are not represented.
This week, Keir Starmer announced plans to abolish the Lords “as quickly as possible” if he become Prime Minister. The policy comes from a new report by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who came up with a list of ideas for a future Labour Government. On Monday, Starmer called the Lords “indefensible”. “Anybody who looks at the House of Lords would struggle to say that it should be kept” he said.
