I have the privilege of presenting a petition on Christian values from listeners to Premier Christian Radio, which declares that 20,000 Christians have stated that they intend to vote in the forthcoming election in line with Christian values, and that the petitioners believe that “business as usual” has damaged the credibility of Parliament and is unacceptable. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons take all steps necessary to restore the credibility of Parliament. The petition, in the name of Mr. Peter Kerridge and Mr. Colin Baynes, is supported by many thousands of forms signed by Premier Christian Radio listeners. In presenting this challenge to both Parliament and candidates in all parties, I believe that the signatories are following the biblical prophetic tradition of calling on those in authority to promote righteousness and to overcome corruption and injustice. The petitioners are citizens of a United Kingdom that I believe is at its best when it combines freedom of religion, for which our forefathers fought, with an acknowledgement of and respect for long-established Christian values—values that are widely shared and respected by people of other faiths and those of no faith. I am pleased to present this petition to the House.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Petition of Premier Christian Radio and others,

Declares that 20,000 Christians have stated, in a campaign organised by Premier Christian Radio, that they intend to vote in the forthcoming election in line with Christian values; and that the Petitioners believe that business as usual has damaged the credibility of Parliament and is unacceptable.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons take all steps necessary to restore the credibility of Parliament.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P000821]