The Bishop of Bath and Wells has been formally introduced to the House of Lords as one of the Church of England’s Lords Spiritual.
During the ceremony in the upper chamber, the Rt Revd Michael Beasley presented his Writ of Summons to the Clerk at the Table and took the Oath of Allegiance to the Crown before being directed to his place on the Bishops’ Bench.
He was conducted by two supporting bishops, the Rt Revd Dr Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford.
There are 26 places in the House of Lords reserved for Church of England archbishops and bishops. Known collectively as the Lords Spiritual, they reflect the constitutional place of the Church of England, with the monarch as its Supreme Governor.
Five of those seats are held by virtue of office: the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester.
Speaking after the ceremony Bishop Michael said: “It was such an honour to be introduced to the House of Lords. As I join in its life and debate, I’m looking forward to bringing the perspectives of Somerset to all that I will contribute. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has enabled me to undertake this role. I look forward to doing my very best for us all.”
The Lords Spiritual have the same rights as other House of Lords members. However they are independent members and sit by virtue of the office they hold. They can take part in all business of the House, including tabling and asking questions to the government, leading or speaking in debates, scrutinising legislation, voting and serving on committees or all-party parliamentary groups.