A new YouGov poll revealed that only 22 per cent of Britons support the continued presence of bishops in the House of Lords, with 52 per cent favouring their removal.

This data aligns with growing public and parliamentary momentum to end the practice of reserving automatic seats for Church of England bishops in the UK’s upper house.

Humanists UK, which has long advocated for the removal of bishops from the Lords, argues that the arrangement is outdated, unfair, and lacks public support.

Currently, the UK and the Islamic Republic of Iran are the only sovereign states where religious clerics hold voting rights in their legislatures.

Bishops in the House of Lords enjoy unique privileges beyond those afforded to other peers.

According to a 2020 All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group report, bishops have direct and preferential access to government officials, and parliamentary convention ensures that all members cease speaking if a bishop rises to address the chamber.

Their votes have also proven decisive in shaping legislation that benefits the Church.

With declining religious affiliation in the UK and increasing cross-party support for reform, the issue of bishops in the Lords is gaining traction.

The upcoming debate on the Hereditary Peers Bill in the House of Lords is expected to reignite calls for their removal, following amendments proposed in the Commons.

Richy Thompson, Director of Public Affairs and Policy at Humanists UK, told the organisation: “Once again, the public has expressed its support for removing the undemocratic, discriminatory, and antiquated arrangement of having 26 Church of England bishops in the House of Lords.

Alongside growing cross-party support in Parliament, this is a real opportunity to deliver lasting change and create a fairer democracy.”

Humanists UK, a charity representing over 120,000 members and supporters, continues to campaign for the separation of religion and state in the UK.