The long-standing tradition of starting each day’s session in the House of Commons with Christian prayers is under fire, but not by the group you might expect.
A new Muslim MP, Shockat Adam, has come out in defense of the practice, directly opposing calls to scrap the prayers.
His stance comes after a growing number of MPs, including several new Labour members, argued that religious worship should have no place in the official proceedings of the Commons.
Opposition from New MPs and the Push for Change
The tradition of beginning parliamentary sessions with Christian prayers has been in place since 1558.
However, as revealed last month, some of the new Labour MPs have expressed concerns that the practice no longer aligns with modern values.
These MPs argue that parliamentary meetings should be inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of religious background.
Last week, nine MPs – including Labour’s Neil Duncan-Jordan – made their position clear, publicly calling for an end to the daily prayers.
They argue that such practices are incompatible with a society that should respect freedom of religion and the right to be free from religion.
In a motion presented to the Commons, they asked the modernisation committee to look into alternative ways of starting sessions.
Shockat Adam Defends Tradition and Freedom of Choice
However, one of the newest MPs, Leicester South’s Shockat Adam, disagrees with the move.
Adam, who was elected just last July, firmly believes that the prayers are an important part of the country’s Christian heritage and parliamentary traditions.
He told the Mail on Sunday that while the prayers are not compulsory, they should continue as a symbol of tradition.
“MPs have the choice whether to attend or not,” he explained, “and I see no reason for them not to continue.”
Adam also pointed out that MPs of different faiths don’t need collective prayers in the Chamber, but they should still have the freedom to pray privately on the parliamentary estate if they wish.
He believes that no one should be forced to participate, but also that the tradition shouldn’t be discarded.
Defending the Tradition: A Broader Perspective
The argument for maintaining prayers isn’t just limited to new MPs.
Veteran Conservative MP Sir John Hayes also weighed in, criticising what he called the ‘arrogance’ of those calling for prayers to be scrapped.
Sir John, who has been serving since 1997, expressed disappointment at the lack of respect for the Christian heritage of Parliament.
“Whether you believe in the divine or not, it’s important to recognise our country is rooted in Christian traditions,” he said.
“Prayers are a reminder of that.”
With the debate heating up, it’s clear that this issue is far from settled, and it may become a significant topic of discussion in the months ahead as Parliament looks to balance tradition with the changing views of its members.