Welsh Conservatives today asked Welsh Labour Ministers to reconsider its decision to rule out legislation to enshrine the right of local councils to hold formal prayers prior to their meetings.

Carwyn Jones’ government previously rejected an invitation from the UK Government for Wales to be included in legislation to protect councils’ right to pray.

Last week, the Welsh Labour Government confirmed it had no intention of introducing legislation to enshrine the right, but stated that local councils could seek their own legal advice if they wised.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said, “Many local residents will find it extraordinary that Welsh Labour Ministers do not think councillors should have the right to decide for themselves whether to hold prayers before their meetings.

“For many communities in Wales, faith is an integral part of daily life so it seems very strange that Welsh Labour Ministers have rejected plans to protect the right to worship.

“Many people across Wales will be disappointed at the Welsh Labour Government’s dogmatic refusal to protect the right to pray, which is yet another blow for localism under Labour.

“The Labour Minister’s position is weak and could leave local authorities in a difficult position where they need to seek their own costly legal advice if they want to protect the right to pray.

“This debate is about choice and I fail to see why Labour Ministers wish to deny councils the right to choose to hold a moment’s quiet reflection or prayers ahead of their deliberations.”