Wonder all you like, Peter.

I doubt you'll ever find out.

GF

I'm afraid that you are right, Grunts. In a perfect world he'd stand up in his pulpit and condemn the whole damned thing as unsupportable.

I expect it got too hot for him. I'd be confident he was initially told this was an uncontentious Private Bill about boat safety. He wouldn't have enjoyed local MPs criticising what he was about to promote.

Professional parsons in politics are not usually a success. They run the risk that their politics will alienate chunks of their spiritual flock. The bishop was ill-advised (possibly even set-up?) to get himself involved in the first place.

I am surprised that Lord Ryder is prepared to get involved. He was once a local MP and has agreed to support a Bill that has been criticed in the Commons by three current, local MPs. Two of these are from his own party.

OF

Would that include marrying a couple of priests?

OF

I didn't understand your comment OF, until five minutes ago when I saw the news!