Education Bill

Parents have a right to decide on their children’s education and, if they choose for their children to take part in a collective act of worship, which the law of this country so prescribes, they are entitled to exercise that right. I do not think we are entitled as legislators to change that. Amendment 93 affects sixth-form students who might choose to withdraw from a collective act of worship, but other pupils may do so only if their parents agree. The amendment tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Avebury, would increase the number of children able to withdraw themselves from collective worship because it would include all pupils over the age of 15. Again, this dilutes parents’ rights in relation to their choices of how they wish their children to be educated. Amendment 97, tabled by my noble friend Lady Massey, would abolish the requirement that collective worship, except in schools of a designated religious character, should be of a broadly Christian nature and change it to one whereby assemblies should not include any religious worship. Barely two hours ago, over 100 Members of your Lordships’ House stood up in the Chamber just down the corridor and took part in a collective act of worship, and the other House did exactly the same. If it is good enough for Members of both Houses of Parliament to take part, because the law so prescribes it, why is it not suitable for our children to do the same?