Faith groups take Lobbying Bill fight to the Lords

Quakers are working with other faith groups to oppose the Lobbying Bill as it moves to the House of Lords

by Caroline Humphries 18th October 2013

Quakers are working with other faith groups to oppose the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill (known as the ‘Lobbying Bill’) as it moves to the House of Lords. Critics fear the Bill will prevent charities from campaigning on issues of public concern, particularly in the run up to an election.  The Bill was passed by the House of Commons on 9 October after a proposed amendment to exclude charities from its scope was defeated by just thirty-seven votes. It has now passed to the House of Lords for scrutiny. The second reading is scheduled for 22 October.