Skip to main content
Bishops against pawns
Why are 26 seats in our legislature still reserved for a group from one single religion to vote with the Tories and oppose progressive reforms, asks STEVEN WALKER
UNDEMOCRATIC: Baron Sentamu is sworn in to the House of Lords to take one of the 26 seats reserved for Anglican bishops

KARL MARX famously said that “religion is the opium of the masses,” distracting working-class people from taking revolutionary action.

Over 150 years later there is a glaring anachronism at the heart of British politics which automatically allows unelected bishops to sit in the House of Lords.

Parliament awards 26 seats in the House of Lords to bishops of the Church of England. These bishops vote on legislation, make interventions and lead prayers at the start of each day’s business.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
A general view of the Houses of Parliament in London
Lawman / 11 October 2025
11 October 2025

ANSELM ELDERGILL is a member of Your Party and he suggests how the new party should reform Britain’s constitution

anglican crimes
Book Review / 15 August 2025
15 August 2025

GUILLERMO THOMAS is persuaded by a scathing critique of the Church of England and its embeddedness in imperialism

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer listens to a question from the press, after making a statement in Downing Street, London, July 29, 2025
Neoliberalism / 31 July 2025
31 July 2025

Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT