The Christian Right invades the UK!

[Joanne98]

Exclusive: right-wing Christian group pays for Commons researchers


As the Prime Minister bows to church pressure on embryology legislation, Jane Merrick and Brian Brady investigate the long parliamentary reach of a pro-life group opposed to the Bill

An evangelical Christian charity leading opposition to new laws on embryo research is funding interns in MPs' offices, an investigation by The Independent on Sunday has discovered.

Christian Action, Research and Education (Care) faces inquiries into its lobbying activities by the Charity Commission and the House of Commons standards watchdog after accessing Parliament at the highest levels.

Twelve research assistants sponsored by Care are Commons pass-holders, allowing them unrestricted access to Westminster in the run-up to highly sensitive and potentially close votes on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Bill next month. At least two MPs face questions after they omitted to declare they have Care-sponsored staff.

Charities are allowed to carry out political campaigning, but Charity Commission rules state they "must not give support or funding to a political party, or to a candidate or politician".

Care, which has no connection with other charities sharing similar names, has masterminded opposition to the Bill within the Palace of Westminster, writing to MPs and holding meetings. The extent to which the charity, which has links to the powerful Christian right in America, has created a presence inside Parliament raised fresh fears last night over political lobbying. Commons standards watchdogs have previously raised concern about access to Parliament enjoyed by lobby groups.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/exclusive-rightwing-christian-group-pays-for-commons-researchers-802607.html

[saltpoint]

1. England threw the fundie nutbags on boats and shipped their sorry asses

out once before.

They can do it again.

[FVZA_Colonel]

3. Yeah, but think about where they eventually ended up.

We don't need more of these people.

[Skittles]

4. AMEN TO THAT

er.......yes INDEED :o

[Syntheto]

5. You owe me a replacement 24 oz coffee...

...and, apparentlyyyyyyyy...a keyyyboarrrd.

[Skittles]

6. LOLOL

welcome to DU, Syntheto :hi:

[LiberalFighter]

2. Lobbyist pays for Parliament staff? Must not be a conflict of interest there!

While they are at it why don't the lobbyist pay for PM' salary and expenses?