The Leader of the House of Commons has ruled out any move to scrap daily prayers before Parliament begins its business, saying the institution remains “attached to the Church of England, and that’s sort of important”.

Humanists UK has criticised the decision, arguing the practice is outdated and unfair to MPs who don’t share the Anglican faith.

The group argues that the tradition allows MPs who attend prayers to reserve their seats for the rest of the day, giving them an advantage on busy days like the Prime Minister’s Questions, something Humanists UK says leaves others at a “democratic disadvantage”.

While Lucy Powell MP pointed to a secular seat reservation alternative for MPs on committees, Humanists UK says this doesn’t help MPs without committee meetings.

The group highlighted that other European countries with established churches do not run daily prayers in this way, noting that Scotland instead offers a multi-faith "time for reflection".

Richy Thompson, Director of Public Affairs and Policy at Humanists UK, said: “Every MP should have the same right to access seats in the House of Commons regardless of their religion or belief… it is fundamental for the Modernisation Committee to review the practice of prayers at the start of parliamentary business, and we urge them to do so.”