What do the British parties say? Key humanist issues at the 2019 UK general elections

All party policies come from the respective party manifestos unless a specific reference is given.

Humanists UK Conservatives Labour Liberal Democrats Party of England question and Wales

Manifesto link: https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 https://humanists.uk/GE2 019con 019lab 019libdem 019brexit 019green 019snp 019plaid

Will your party No plans to extend legal Yes. In 2015 the former Yes. ‘Introduce legal No stated policy. Yes. The Green Party told No. This matter is devolved No stated policy. give legal recognition. The leader pledged recognition of humanist us in 2017, ‘Clearly the law so SNP MPs won’t vote on recognition to Government recently to give legal recognition to marriages.’ should allow those who it, but humanist marriage is humanist commissioned the Law humanist marriages if wish to have a humanist already legal in Scotland. marriages in Commission to undertake a Labour formed the next marriage ceremony the Since coming to power, the England and two-year review of Government.1 Support has same rights as couples SNP has strengthened the Wales? marriage law – but forbid it been reaffirmed by the who want a religious legal provisions around from making a decision on Labour front bench since.2 ceremony with the humanist marriages. whether or not to give celebrant of their choice. humanist marriages legal The Green Party is recognition. committed to ending the current discrimination as soon as possible.’

Will your party No stated policy. However No stated policy. However Yes. Party policy would see No stated policy. Yes. Party policy states No. This matter is devolved No stated policy. When support school in 2015 were supportive of in 2015 were supportive of the repeal of ‘the existing that ‘we will abolish the so SNP MPs won’t vote on contacted by us in 2015, assemblies in the requirement for the requirement for legal requirement for all requirement for a it, but the SNP Government said it ‘does not have a England being collective worship in collective worship in state-funded schools to compulsory daily act of has not supported calls to party position on this equally inclusive schools.3 schools.4 hold acts of collective worship. Schools which end the requirement to matter.’ of all pupils, worship’. Schools would be choose to continue to hold have six acts of religious regardless of required to ensure that any acts of worship will provide observance in schools per religion or belief, act of worship and any an alternative activity for year. rather than religious instruction is learners who choose not to being acts of optional … and that suitable take part. Pupils who do collective alternative activities are not participate in worship worship? provided.’5 will not suffer any form of discrimination.’6

Will your party No stated policy. In 2015, Yes. Labour Education Yes. ‘Ensures that religious No stated policy. Yes. Party policy states No. This matter is devolved No stated policy. support the opposed inclusion of Spokesperson in the House education in all that ‘Education should so SNP MPs won’t vote on inclusion of humanism when reviewing of Lords, Lord state-funded encourage critical it, but the SNP Government humanism in GCSE and A level RE Watson,stated the law is schools...Covers all the engagement with, and has not taken steps to Religious syllabuses, beyond a few quite clear that humanism major religious and non-dogmatic exposure to, require humanism to be Education mentions.7 Has not made should be included on an non-religious viewpoints.’ 9 diverse, sometimes taught to the same extent

1 Humanists UK, ‘Labour leader pledges to legalise humanist marriage’, 28 April 2015 https://humanism.org.uk/2015/04/28/labour-leader-pledges-to-legalise-humanist-marriage/ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 2 E.g. Labour frontbench spokesperson Baroness Thornton speaking from the dispatch box in ‘Peers from all sides call for legal humanist marriages in England and Wales’, 22 November 2018: https://humanism.org.uk/2018/11/22/peers-from-all-sides-call-for-legal-humanist-marriages-in-england-and-wales/ and ‘Push for legal humanist marriages gets more support in Parliament’, 18 January 2019: ​ https://humanism.org.uk/2019/01/18/push-for-legal-humanist-marriages-gets-more-support-in-parliament/ 3 Times Educational Supplement, ‘TES Pre-election debate 2015 - Part 2’, 16 March 2015 http://www.edcomsteachers.com/blog/2015/tes-pre-election-debate-part-2/ ​ 4 Ibid. ​ 5 F16: The Role of Faith in State-Funded Schools, Spring 2017, as quoted by Humanists UK in ‘Liberal Democrats vote to end religious selection amongst state schools’, 19 March 2017: https://humanism.org.uk/2017/03/19/liberal-democrats-vote-to-end-religious-selection-amongst-state-schools/ 6 Green Party, ‘Education Policy’, last updated Spring 2017: https://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ed.html. ​ ​ 7 Humanists UK, ‘Response to DfE statement on the religious studies GCSE judicial review’ November 26th, 2015 https://humanism.org.uk/2015/11/26/response-to-dfe-statement-on-the-religious-studies-gcse-judicial-review/

syllabuses in any further changes in this equal basis to the major However, when contacted competing, worldviews and as the principal religions in England? (On an direction since. religions—indeed, this was by us, said that ‘while we beliefs - whether based on Religious and Moral equal footing to the conclusion of a 2015 would be sympathetic, our culture, religion or Education (RME) in the major judicial review of the overall policy is that the spirituality.’10 Scotland. religions, in line matter. In debate on details of the curriculum with case law?) Commission on RE.8 should not be set by politicians but by independent experts. So in a Liberal Democrat government, MPs wouldn’t be voting on this at all.’

Will your party No. The Conservative No. Supportive of faith Yes. Supportive of faith No stated policy. Yes. Party policy states ‘No No. This matter is devolved No stated policy. support fully Government has allowed schools and religious schools but party policy publicly-funded school so SNP MPs won’t vote on inclusive school new fully selective selection per se, but has calls for ‘a new approach to shall be run by a religious it. However, the SNP admissions with voluntary aided faith also told us that it supports state funded faith schools organisation. Schools may Government is supportive no schools to open. retaining the 50% on which… ensures that teach about religions, of faith schools and has discrimination religious selection in new selection in admissions on comparing examples which not taken steps to limit on the basis of free schools/academies. the basis of religion or originated in each religious selection by religion? Labour Education belief to state funded continent, but are denominational schools in Spokesperson in the House schools is phased out over prohibited from delivering Scotland. of Lords, Lord Watson, has up to six years.’12 religious instruction in any opposed fully selective new form or encouraging faith schools.11 adherence to any particular religious belief.’13

Will your party Partially. The Government Yes. ‘Provide sufficient Yes. ‘Introduce a No stated policy. Yes. ‘End the opt-out of No. This matter is devolved Leader has ensure that has introduced compulsory funding for schools to “curriculum for life”, in all LGBTIQA+ inclusive PHSE so SNP MPs won’t vote on spoken in favour of LGBT high-quality, RSE, in effect from deliver mandatory LGBT+ state-funded schools. This classes at school to ensure it. Relationships, Sexual inclusive RSE.15 accurate, and September 2020. However, inclusive relationships and will include… that every child learns Health and Parenthood LGBT inclusive no content of the sex education.’ age-appropriate about different types of Education (RSHP) is a core Relationships curriculum is compulsory, Relationships and Sex couples and families that part of the new Curriculum and Sex and schools are required to Education (RSE). Teaching make up UK society.’ for Excellence and the SNP Education (RSE) take into account the about sexual consent, ‘Properly fund training to Government has produced is introduced in ‘religious background of all LGBT+ relationships, and support the delivery of new guidance on it. all English pupils’. Faith schools are issues surrounding explicit comprehensive, However, denominational Schools? allowed to ‘reflect their images and content will be age-appropriate Personal schools can go against this faith in their teaching’. included in RSE.’ Health and Sexual guidance. Guidance says pupils Education (PHSE) lessons ‘should receive teaching on in schools covering all LGBT content’, but this is aspects of sex and not mandated.14 relationships, with a focus on consent.’

9 Humanists UK, Liberal Democrats vote to end religious selection amongst state schools, March 19, 2017 https://humanism.org.uk/2017/03/19/liberal-democrats-vote-to-end-religious-selection-amongst-state-schools/ ​ ​ ​ 8 , Religious Education, 17 December 2018 ​ ​ https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2018-12-17/debates/A497B8C8-9BE9-4975-95E3-91F4748A98AC/ReligiousEducation?highlight=humanism#contribution-98A590D6-3A52-4D34-8C81-DC28DA91E6A3 10 Green Party, Education Policy, last updated Spring 2017 https://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ed.html ​ ​ ​ 11 Humanists UK, Over 180 high-profile campaigners join forces against new 100% religiously selective schools April 14, 2019 https://humanism.org.uk/2019/04/14/over-180-high-profile-campaigners-join-forces-against-new-100-religiously-selective-schools/ 12 Liberal Democrat party policy as passed at Spring Conference, March 2017, http://www.libdems.org.uk/conference-spring-17-f16-faith-schools ​ 13 Green Party Policy, https://policy.greenparty.org.uk/ed.html ​ 14 Department of Education, Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education guidance ​ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/805781/Relationships_Education__Relationships_and_Sex_Education__RSE__and_Health_Education.pdf 15 Plaid Cymru on , March 2019. https://twitter.com/Plaid_Cymru/status/1108024829612122114?s=20 ​

Will your party No plans to legalise. MPs No plans to legalise. MPs Yes. Party policy states No stated policy. Yes. Party policy states This matter is devolved so No stated policy. support are allowed a free vote on are allowed a free vote on that ‘medical assistance to that ‘people have a right to SNP MPs won’t vote on it. legalising this matter. Leader Boris this matter. Leader Jeremy die should be available to an assisted death’ within a The SNP has not supported assisted dying Johnson is opposed and Corbyn is opposed and patients in particular detailed framework.19 assisted dying legislation for people who voted against an assisted voted against an assisted circumstances’, however, proposed in the Scottish are of sound dying bill in 2015.16 dying bill in 1997 and ‘any such legislative Parliament. It does, mind but are abstained in 2015.17 proposal should be however, allow its MSPs a terminally ill or determined by way of a free vote on the matter. incurably free vote’.18 Leader Jo suffering? Swinson is in favour.

Will your party No. Has opposed proposals Yes. ‘We will act Yes. ‘Reform the House of Yes. ‘Abolish the House of Yes. ‘Create a fully elected Yes. ‘SNP MPs will continue Yes. ‘Plaid Cymru supports remove the to this effect in recent immediately to end the Lords with a proper Lords’. House of Lords. Members to oppose the reform of the House of automatic right years.20 ‘After Brexit we hereditary principle in the democratic mandate.’ will be elected for a undemocratic House of Lords so that it becomes a of the 26 also need to look at the House of Lords, and work maximum of ten years with Lords and vote for its directly elected upper bishops to sit in broader aspects of our to abolish the House of half of the house being abolition.’ chamber representing the the House of constitution: the Lords in favour of Labour’s elected every 5 years.’ regions of England, and so Lords? relationship between the preferred option of an long as they remain part of Government, Parliament… elected Senate of the the UK state, Wales, (and) the role of the House Nations and Regions’. Scotland, and Northern of Lords.’ Ireland.’

Will your party Yes, effectively. The Yes, but the wording of the Yes. ‘Appoint an No stated policy. No stated policy. No stated policy. No stated policy. support the Government has policy is not entirely Ambassador-level introduction of introduced a Prime inclusive of the Champion for Freedom of an Ambassador- Minister’s Special Envoy on non-religious. ‘Appoint a Belief.’ level post for Freedom of Religion or Special Envoy for Freedom global freedom Belief, including the of Religion or Belief to work of thought, non-religious. ‘We will seek across government to conscience, and to protect those promote Freedom of religion or persecuted for their faith Religious Belief in the UK belief? and implement the Truro and abroad.’21 Review recommendations [into persecution of Christians]’ – but the non-religious aren’t mentioned.

Will your party No. Has not supported Yes. ‘We will uphold Yes. ‘Decriminalise abortion No stated policy. Yes. ‘Extend the EU’s Unclear. This matter is No stated policy. decriminalise decriminalisation whilst in women’s reproductive across the UK while Charter of Fundamental devolved so SNP MPs won’t abortion and Government. In 2018 the rights and decriminalise retaining the existing Rights to give women in all usually vote on it, but they introduce Government rejected plans abortions.’ Leader Jeremy 24-week limit and legislate EU countries access to were granted a free vote protected to introduce buffer zones. Corbyn has praised the for access to abortion legal, safe and affordable on decriminalisation in ‘buffer zones’ 22 Court of Appeal’s decision facilities within Northern abortion services.’ No Northern Ireland. The SNP around abortion to rule abortion clinic Ireland.’ ‘Enforce safe stated policy on buffer Government in Scotland is clinics? buffer zones legal, stating zones around abortion zones, former leader looking into legislation on

19 Green Party, Health Policy, updated June 2019 https://policy.greenparty.org.uk/he.html ​ ​ ​ 16 They Work for You, voting record on assisted dying https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/10999/boris_johnson/uxbridge_and_south_ruislip/divisions?policy=6732 ​ ​ ​ 17 They Work for You, voting record on assisted dying https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/10133/jeremy_corbyn/islington_north/divisions?policy=6732 ​ ​ ​ 18 Liberal Democrats 2012 Federal Conference report motion on ‘Medically Assisted Dying’ ​ http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/libdems/pages/2012/attachments/original/1390841944/Conference_Report_Brighton_2012.pdf 20 House of Lords, Church of England: Disestablishment. 28 November 2018 https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2018-11-28/debates/A8ECC7C8-0EB0-4F75-A00C-56139ED453A8/ChurchOfEnglandDisestablishment ​ ​ ​ 21 Labour Party, Race and Faith Manifesto, November 2019 https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Race-and-Faith-Manifesto-2019.pdf ​ ​ ​ 22 Politics Home, rejects call for 'buffer zones' to shield women from abortion protests, September 13, 2018 ​ ​ https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/social-affairs/news/98210/sajid-javid-rejects-call-buffer-zones-shield-women-abortion ​

that ‘a woman’s right to clinics, make intimidation Caroline Lucas has buffer zones.25 choose, free from or harassment of abortion previously called on the intimidation or harassment, service users and staff Secretary of State to must be protected.’23 outside clinics, or on enforce buffer zones common transport routes outside reproductive to these services, illegal.’ health clinics.24

Will your party Unclear. ‘We will update Yes. ‘We are guided by our Yes. ‘Defend the Human No stated policy. Leader Yes. ‘Retain the Human Yes. ‘The SNP re-affirms its Yes. ‘Against the backdrop commit to the Human Rights Act and firm commitment to the Rights Act, resist any has previously Rights Act and reaffirm the commitment to the Council of a Tory Party who are retaining the administrative law to Human Rights Act and attempt to withdraw from criticised the Human UK’s commitment to the of Europe and the ECHR. intent on undermining the Human Rights ensure that there is a Convention on Human the European Convention Rights Act.26 European Convention on SNP MPs will oppose any Human Rights Act, we will Act and proper balance between Rights.’ on Human Rights and Human Rights.’ attempts by the UK publish a human rights remaining part the rights of individuals, oppose any laws that government to scrap the charter for Wales to protect of the European our vital national security unnecessarily erode civil Human Rights Act and the most vulnerable Court of Human and effective government.’ .’ withdraw the UK from the members of our Rights? ECHR.’ communities.’

About Humanists UK

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Humanists UK is independent of all political parties and does not support, fund or advocate any particular political party.

All party policies come from the respective party manifestos unless a specific reference is given. Where policies are not stated we contacted the parties to seek further clarity and the table incorporates any replies we received. If you spot something where you think we’ve got it wrong, or have missed a piece of information, then please do contact us. Some of the issues we discuss are devolved to Scotland and/or Wales and so the Scottish National Party’s and/or Plaid Cymru’s policies are aimed at the devolved governments and not at the UK Government in Westminster. Where this is the case we have stated it. The SNP has stated that its MPs will only vote in the UK Parliament on matters primarily concerning England, Wales or Northern Ireland when those matters have financial implications for Scotland. But it has given no indication it will vote on other matters primarily concerning England, Wales, or Northern Ireland and in the past has not done so. This includes some of the issues discussed in this table.

You can find out more about our election work, including how to write to your prospective parliamentary candidates (PPCs) about these issues, at humanists.uk/ge2019. ​ ​

For more information please contact:

Richy Thompson Director of Public Affairs and Policy Humanists UK 020 7324 3072 [email protected] www.humanists.uk

23 Jeremy Corbyn on Twitter, August 21, 2019: https://twitter.com/jeremycorbyn/status/1164135737450778624 ​ 24 Caroline Lucas, Caroline responds to anti-abortion campaigners press release, April 29, 2015: https://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/caroline-responds-to-anti-abortion-campaigners ​ ​ ​ 25 The Scotsman, SNP Government looks at protecting patients at abortion clinics, July 25, 2018 https://www.scotsman.com/news-2-15012/snp-government-looks-at-protecting-patients-at-abortion-clinics-1-4773834 ​ ​

26 Nigel Farage on Twitter, March 2013: https://twitter.com/nigel_farage/status/316907842605039616?lang=en ​