The House of Lords is due to debate a Bill on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, that would repeal centuries-old laws preventing a Roman Catholic or Jewish prime minister from advising the monarch on appointments in the Church of England and the Church of Scotland. The Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill receives its second reading during the Lords' dinner break, while peers pause committee stage of the Courts and Tribunals Bill.

The short, two-clause Bill repeals provisions dating from 1829 and 1858. Similar restrictions apply to ecclesiastical appointments made directly by the Lord Chancellor.

Why the Bill matters now

The restrictions acquired practical significance when Andy Burnham, a Roman Catholic, became prime minister. He has temporarily transferred responsibility for Church appointments to the Lord Chancellor, and the Bill would enable him to resume the full constitutional functions of his office.

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, is expected to speak in the debate. Removing a religious disqualification is one thing, but the debate may also raise broader constitutional questions about a prime minister advising the monarch on the appointment of bishops to an established Church to which they may not belong.

Fast passage through Parliament

The Bill completed all its Commons stages in a single day last month, and ministers are intent on an equally swift passage through the Lords. On Monday, 9 November, the Leader of the House was expected to ask peers to dispense with Standing Order No. 44, which normally prevents two stages of a Bill being taken on the same day.

If that motion is agreed, the Bill's remaining stages, committee, report and third reading, are expected to take place on Monday, 23 November.

Sources: Hansard Society and Religion Media Centre.