Yet another Minister for Faith

Florence Eshalomi (Vauxhall and Camberwell Green) was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 21 July 2026. It has now emerged that she has been given the faith brief as Minister for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith. According to the Religion Media Centre, though she was appointed in July, her portfolio and appointment as Faith Minister was only confirmed in the last week. She’s the umpteenth (number 11?) in ten years.

Resurrecting the offence of blasphemy?

On 30 April 2026, Stephen Gray, a retired police officer and member of the Free Speech Union, was convicted at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for posting an allegedly “grossly offensive” message on Facebook, contrary to s.127 Communications Act 2003. Continue reading →