Lords debate the future of English cathedrals
Peers including the Chair of English Heritage will debate the future of English cathedrals on Thursday 28 June.
Lord Cormack (Conservative), who tabled the debate, is Vice-President of the Historic Churches Preservation Trust/National Churches Trust.
Speaking ahead of the debate, which he will open, Lord Cormack said:
“England's cathedrals are among our very greatest public buildings, and include some of the finest cathedrals in Europe. But they are old and vulnerable to the ravages of time and weather and cost an enormous amount to maintain. We will be failing future generations if we do not allow them to inherit these great buildings.
“I have a lifelong passion for cathedrals and, as a Christian, have a real appreciation of their primary purpose. But even those who do not share the Christian faith can appreciate them as architectural masterpieces.
“Through this debate, I am seeking to draw attention to the place that cathedrals hold in our national and local and cultural life.”
Other Members scheduled to speak include:
- Baroness Andrews (Labour), Chair of English Heritage;
- Lord Stevenson of Balmacara (Labour), Opposition Spokesperson for Culture; and
- Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour), former Minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Baroness Warwick of Undercliffe (Labour), Lord Tyler (Liberal Democrat), Baroness Byford (Conservative), Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative), Baroness Sherlock (Labour), The Bishop of Birmingham, The Bishop of Wakefield and The Bishop of Worcester are also expected to take part in the debate.
Baroness Northover (Liberal Democrat), will respond on behalf of the government.
The debate is open to media and the public. Please allow time for security screening.
The debate will also be broadcast live on Parliament TV.
