Governing by nostalgia: Reform’s crusade for ‘Christian values’ offers false comfort
The announcement by Reform UK that they will “restore Britain’s Christian heritage” and that the nation must “uphold its Christian values” captures the contradictory essence of modern populist politics. Politicians of various faiths and none scrambling to weaponise a religious identity that the British public themselves have left behind and show no sign of wanting […]
We must stop exiling British citizens to die abroad
Today, Parliament’s inquiry into assisted dying heard from Swiss experts about how their long-standing assisted dying system works in practice. There are many lessons to be learnt from this successful system for how we can create a humane and dignified assisted dying framework here but the experts are worth listening to for another reason – […]
Having opinions challenged is a gift to be received
Since news broke of the attack on Salman Rushdie, it has been heartening to see such a breadth of support expressed for him, even from unexpected quarters where he has been lauded as a hero of artistic freedom of expression. But not of course from every quarter. Let’s leave to one side the fanatics in […]
The UK is facing down Covid without turning to religion
For the majority of Brits – more than 52% of whom identify as non-religious – this is the first time in living history that a crisis has been met without religion.
The Home Office is deporting an atheist because he doesn’t know about Plato
The asylum seeker was quizzed about Greek philosophers
Comment: Legal victory will stop the censorship of non-religious views in schools
It’s only right that a wide range of faiths and beliefs should be studied in schools
Gay marriage bill passes final Commons hurdle
The bill allowing same-sex marriage has passed its final Commons vote by 366 votes to 161 – a majority of 205.
Comment: The world is silent while atheists are persecuted
On the International Human Rights Day, we should remember the victims of blasphemy laws which persecute atheists and non-believers. The Foreign Office should support the International Humanist and Ethical Union as it campaigners for greater attention from governments.
Comment: Calls for international ‘blasphemy’ law must be resisted
In light of the protests across the Muslim world against videos and cartoons mocking the prophet Mohammed and calls for tighter rules against offensive material, is free speech under threat?
