Citizenship Committee to ask religious leaders how the UK can create a sense of communal identity
The House of Lords Committee on Citizenship and Civic Engagement will take evidence from the Greater London Authority, religious leaders and academic experts at its meeting on Wednesday 6 December.
The first evidence session will start at 10:30am in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords. Giving evidence will be:
- Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis
- His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Questions are likely to include:
- What do you see as the role of faith communities in promoting civic engagement? What examples are there of faith communities working with the Government to create a positive social impact?
- What can the Government learn from faith communities in building a strong sense of communal identity?
- Do you think that the Government's Fundamental British Values of “democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs” represent a good list? Would you seek to change this list?
- How do you view the tensions between the practice and beliefs of faith groups, the position of women, and the rights of members of the LGBT community?
At 11.30am, giving evidence will be:
- Dr Maria Sobolewska, University of Manchester
- Dr Leah Bassel, Leicester University
- Mr Matthew Ryder, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Greater London Authority
Questions are likely to include:
- Do people have to feel that they belong in their local community before they can feel a sense of belonging about their country?
- To what extent does local identity supersede national identity?
- What role should local authorities play in integration?
- To what extent are local communities involved in the provision of nationally run volunteering schemes like the National Citizen Service?
