London Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrats for London

 Campaigning for London in Parliament, in Europe and in the London Assembly

TEATHER WELCOMES GOVERNMENT REVIEW ON NON-PREACHING MINISTERS OF RELIGION

3.06.49pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 16th Jan 2005

Brent East MP and Liberal Democrat spokesperson for London, Sarah Teather has today welcomed the Government's decision to open up consultation with faith groups on the regulations introduced last August requiring Ministers of Religion to demonstrate fluency in English.

Speaking on Radio 4's 'Sunday Programme' earlier today, Sarah Teather gave a cautious welcome to the concession.

Sarah Teather MP said:

"Finally the Government appear to have recognised the problem, albeit belatedly -- the Hindu Council UK have been warning Ministers about this for months. Only now, when Temples are unable to recruit appropriately qualified priests have the Government accepted there might be a problem.

"However, consultation must be true consultation. All too often this Government views consultation exercises as a chance to preach the new Labour Gospel. Listening in good faith means being prepared to change your mind."

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook LibDigLibDig redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story
Previous news story: Sign Sarah Teather's petition on Visa's for Poorjaries. (Fri 14th Jan 2005).
Next news story: Borough College's Plumbers Success (Mon 17th Jan 2005).

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX.
Published and promoted by London Liberal Democrats, 4 Cowley Street, London SW1P 3NB.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.