Jesus said
"The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath"
Mark 2 v 27
GENERAL ELECTION 2010
When Gordon Brown announced the date of the long-awaited General Election, he signalled one of the most intense campaigns in recent history. Not only was it intense, but the result was indecisive, thus leading to a hung Parliament.
David Cameron’s conservatives won the most votes and the most seats, but failed to win an overall majority of seats. Thus, after days of bargaining and compromise, the United Kingdom finally had a Conservative/Liberal Democrat Coalition Government with David Cameron as prime minister and Nick Clegg as deputy prime minister.
Prior to the election, we asked supporters to write to their local candidates in order to ascertain where they stood on the issue of the Lord’s Day. We again express our gratitude to all our friends throughout the UK who made the effort to canvass their candidates. During the past few weeks, since the election, we have been reading through the replies which we received, and they have given to us valuable information in preparing for any future proposed legislation.
Perhaps not surprisingly, few of those questioned were prepared to offer clear-cut answers unless their own party had formed a particular line. However, there were a number of encouragements as we plan ahead. It is always regrettable when some MPs who supported us in the last Parliament either stood down or lost their seats. However, we trust that within the new intake of MPs we will find new supporters and friends.
Almost all of the elected MPs who replied supported a change to tighten our licensing laws. They believe that 24/7 opening of licensed premises has had a detrimental effect upon our towns and cities and upon the nation generally.
Despite continued pressure by the large superstores to introduce 24/7 opening, five out of every six replies clearly stated that they would not support any extension to Sunday trading.
The vast majority of respondents were strongly opposed to elections being held on the Lord’s Day.
All of this is very encouraging, but we cannot be complacent, and therefore need to ensure that if legislation came before Parliament, the respondents would carry out their word. The major concern is that we do not know how MPs who did not respond will vote in any future debate. It was also encouraging to receive letters from elected MPs who stated that they did not canvass on the Lord’s Day.
So far in the replies received, 12 MPs assured us that they were committed Christians and we trust their influence will be evident on all spiritual and moral issues, including that of the Lord’s Day.Here are several replies which we trust will be an encouragement to you.
It was first of all gratifying to receive a letter from David Cameron’s office which stated: ‘We have no plans to change the law on Sunday trading.’
This was supported by David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science. He said, ‘I can assure you that my party has no plans to extend trading hours. I do value peace and quiet on Sundays.’
As we are dealing with a Coalition Government, it was encouraging to receive the following comment from Nick Clegg’s office. ‘The Liberal Democrats have in the past believed that there is no need to increase Sunday trading hours.’
We trust both parties will keep to their word on this matter.
‘I am a committed Christian. I will resist pressure to extend Sunday trading hours. I will do all I can to persuade people that Sunday should be a day of rest—time for church and family.’
John Glen MP, Conservative, Salisbury
‘I am also a practising Christian and believe that as much as possible we should try to keep Sunday special and as a day for family togetherness.’
Dr Daniel Poulter MP, Conservative, Central Suffolk
‘I opposed Sunday trading legislation because when that went through we lost any rhythm in the week and any concept of a family day. We seem to think consumption is the only path to happiness. The pressure for this change was commercial though there is little evidence that sales increase—just that shop workers work longer. We need to contest by our behaviour this cultural materialism which ultimately makes even those who embrace it unhappy.’
John Pugh MP, Liberal Democrat, Southport
‘Personally, I am against the further legislation of Sunday trading hours. The campaign for longer hours is being led by supermarkets rather than consumers. We must also consider the impact on employees and their families as it will put pressure on them to treat Sunday as a normal working day. There is a risk that many parents could have less time to spend with their children. I also feel that having one day a week, offers a break from fall-blown consumerism; this is a positive thing.’
Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat, Lewes
‘For me, Sunday is the day for going to church and spending time with the family.
Holding my Christian faith is important to me. I know that as a Member of Parliament I will be asked to vote on a number of issues of conscience, on which you can be assured that I will be guided by my faith. Our Christian heritage is integral to the United Kingdom; it is not possible to understand our history or society without knowledge of it, nor to appreciate today’s society without respecting its values. I hope to play my part in asserting these values which mean so much to you and me.’
Shaun Bailey MP, Conservative, Hammersmith and Shepherd’s Bush
‘I was one of the few Labour members to speak and vote against the 24-hour licensing for alcoholic drink. Nothing since has persuaded me that that was the wrong decision and I will campaign for the law’s abolition. I am opposed to elections being held on a Sunday and vote against any extension of Sunday trading.’
Frank Field MP, Labour, Birkenhead