A Catholic MP has questioned plans to change the law to allow Prime Minister Andy Burnham to advise the King on Church of England appointments, saying the government has “more important things” to focus on. 

Sir Edward Leigh made the comments in the House of Commons during discussion of the Church Appointments (Repeal of Discriminatory Provision) Bill.

The proposed legislation would remove historic restrictions preventing Catholics and Jews from advising the King on certain Church of England appointments.

Mr Burnham, who is Catholic, is currently unable to carry out that part of his role because of legislation dating back to 1829. He has transferred the responsibility to the Lord Chancellor in the meantime. 

Sir Edward said he was “not sure that many of us Jews and Catholics have really felt discriminated against since 1829”.

He also questioned how many Catholics and Jews would want to be involved in appointing Anglican bishops, although he suggested they might help increase the number of bishops who “talk about God rather than social issues”.

Responding, the Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell, defended the proposed change, saying the restrictions were outdated.

He said: “The difference is that we have a Catholic Prime Minister, so it is key that nothing gets in the way of him taking part in any deliberations.”

Sir Alan added that he believed the House would be keen to change the legislation.

The bill is due to be debated in the Commons on 21 October. 

Sir Edward also used his contribution to urge the government to make progress on the restoration and renewal of Parliament, warning that further delays would increase costs.

Sir Alan agreed that work needed to move forward, but said he wanted to build consensus among MPs and ensure safeguards were in place, including checks on value for money.

He said there was not yet full agreement on how the restoration should proceed, but added: “The longer we postpone it, the more it costs.”