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Morecambe MP elected chair of Parliament humanist group

Thursday, 23 January 2025 12:11

By Greg Lambert X @greglam72

Lizzi Collinge MP (centre) is new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG)

The MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale has been elected chair of a Parliamentary group which champions humanism.

Lizzi Collinge is the new chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG).

Humanism is a non-religious approach to living an ethical life that is based on reason, compassion, and tolerance. Humanists use science and rational inquiry to try to explain the universe, reject supernatural explanations, and value all humans equally. 

Ms Collinge was elected as new chair unanimously after Rachel Hopkins MP had to stand down due to getting a Government position. 

She said she was "delighted" to be elected as chair.

"I look forward to raising humanist causes in Parliament and working with colleagues to see progress on issues ranging from education through to assisted dying and legal recognition of humanist marriages," she said.

"This is an exciting time to become dhair and I expect in this Parliament we will see concrete steps to reform."

The Morecambe MP mentioned humanism in her maiden speech in the House of Commons after being elected as MP last summer.

"I am a humanist," she said.

"Humanists are people who shape our lives in the here and now, because we believe it is the only life we have, and what is politics if not shaping lives in the here and now? Humanists try to treat everyone we come across with warmth, understanding and respect. We believe that we humans have everything we need: logic, reason, evidence, and empathy to make good, ethical decisions."

The APPHG is one of the oldest all-party parliamentary groups in Parliament and today has around 120 MPs and peers in membership from all parties.

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