Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Choral Singing in Churches and Cathedrals: Covid-19

Thursday 17 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Michael Fabricant inquired about discussions between the Church and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the reintroduction of choral singing in churches and cathedrals during the covid-19 outbreak.
  • The Minister acknowledged the ongoing discussions with the Government on when choral and communal singing can resume in churches and cathedrals.
  • Michael Fabricant highlighted the importance of choral tradition and its significance for people, expressing a desire for a quick return to normal practices.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con
NHS Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question pertains to discussions regarding choral singing in religious institutions amid the pandemic.

Question

What discussions the commissioners have had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on reintroducing choral singing in churches and cathedrals during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church is having ongoing discussions with the Government about when choral and communal singing in churches and cathedrals can return, and I am very aware how frustrating the current situation is for choirs across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on discussions or timeline were not provided

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Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Religion & Faith
Context

The questioner asks about the restoration of evensong in Lichfield cathedral and elsewhere by a specific date.

Question

Some people relax with yoga, others with tai chi—perhaps you do, Mr Speaker—but in the good old days when I used to have a week in Westminster and then get back to Lichfield, I unwound by going to evensong in Lichfield cathedral, which is very relaxing indeed. Whatever reason people go to evensong—perhaps even religious reasons, for worship—there is a need for it to be restored. What assurance can my hon. Friend give that, come 19 July, things will truly get back to normal in Lichfield and elsewhere?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I was praising my hon. Friend in front of all the cathedral deans on Tuesday for his diligence on behalf of Lichfield cathedral. He is absolutely right about the beauty of our choral tradition and how much it is cherished. We all want to see a return as quickly as possible.

Not addressed: The specific date (19 July) was not addressed; instead, praise for diligence was given without concrete assurances.

How: Praising The Questioner

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