News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Prayer-hands-main_article_image.jpg
Flickr/prajwalps
UK News

Christian MPs urge hope for turbulent UK

by Hannah Tooley

The call comes following the UK's decision to leave the EU as well as various shootings against both white and black men in America and the terror attack in Nice.

Speaking to Premier, Daniel Singleton from Faith Action UK said: "It's worthwhile looking at the things that unite us, and the things that bring us together.

"Despite some of the headlines, some of the noise, actually the United Kingdom is a place that people have been able to come to for a place of tolerance, a place of sanctuary, and so we pick out some of those things."

Christian MPs have put their name to a number of requests that the UK stay a united nation.

They've asked:

  • That the United Kingdom has been and will continue to be a place of tolerance and sanctuary;
  • That this nation has been and will continue to be at the forefront of the development of democracy, rights and freedom, that we are proud of these traditions, and that they are our most lasting export;
  • That we have been and will continue to be a dynamic nation where many settle and play an important part in our economy and cultural life;
  • That we have a hope in our nation; that the United Kingdom continues to have a positive role to play in the world, and;
  • That we continue to have purpose to benefit not only the people of the United Kingdom, but also of Europe, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.

The letter says: "the reverberating context of the economic crash of 2008 and the growth of terrorism, crisis and wars in recent years have resulted in a great movement of people, which has led to distant problems rippling into our local settings.

"The European Referendum campaign and its aftermath have served as a lightning rod, and the result is great concern about uncertainty and intolerance."

"Faith groups are often the very glue of society; they provide a place for people to come together, they seek out solutions, and they provide hope.

"We want to affirm these values of community and hope for the United Kingdom today."

Daniel Singleton told Premier it is significant that the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society issued the statement.

He said: "Because of the relationship with have with as a group of people... and because we're looking at what good can be contributed to society, it felt like a good opportunity to bring this statement, these things, these words of hope together.

"Thankfulness is a great starting point and once we start from that individual basis and look to our families, people around us, the provision of work, homes - and all those kind of things."

MPs who signed the statement of hope:

Gary Streeter: Conservative MP for South West Devon

Rt Hon Stephen Timms: Chair of APPG on Faith and Society and Labour MP for East Ham

Fiona Bruce: Conservative MP for Congleton

The Baroness Neuberger DBE: Member of the House of Lords

The Rt Hon the Lord Tyler: Member of the House of Lords

Rt Hon David Lammy: Labour MP for Tottenham

Steve Double: Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speaking to Daniel Singleton:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate