Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

United Kingdom

Former archbishop John Sentamu to be given peerage “soon” after protests at exclusion

John Sentamu is to be made a life peer “imminently” after protests Britain’s first black archbishop was not automatically sent to the Lords.

The former Archbisop of York was expected to be given the honour after retiring last June.

Despite other retiring archbishops taking a seat in the Lords, Mr Sentamu was denied the award.

Advertisement

The Government was accused of “institutional prejudice” by ignoring Mr Sentamu, 71.

Number 10 claimed it was trying to reduce numbers in the Lords.

Yet, Prime Minister Boris Johnson found room for his own brother Jo to become a Lord.

Downing Street has said Mr Sentamu’s peerage is now “imminent”.

Officials claimed the delay was down to a hold up with the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Shadow justice secretary David Lammy MP said the decision showed “blatant institutional prejudice”.

He tweeted: “No 10 broke a precedent and snubbed Britain’s first black archbishop for a peerage because it says the House of Lords is too large, but it made room for Ian Botham, Claire Fox and Theresa May’s husband. Blatant institutional prejudice.”

David Davis, the former Conservative cabinet minister, said it was “a mistake” not ennobling Mr Sentamu.

He said: “He was a great archbishop.

“It cannot claim it needs to limit the size of the Lords whilst elevating Boris’s brother.

“It should be put right immediately.”

 

Comments

Latest Tweets

Advertisement

You May Also Like

United Kingdom

Film director Ridley Scott has recalled the death of actor Oliver Reed while making the Oscar winning blockbuster Gladiator. Scott said hard-drinking Reed “just...

Business

The controversial Russian businessman Viktor Baturin, well-known for his years-long counterstanding with his wealthy sister Elena, widow of Moscow ex-mayor Yuri Luzhkov, is likely...

United Kingdom

The Tremeloes. Dave Munden centre Dave Munden the Tremeloes drummer – and often lead singer – with the 60s chart toppers has died. He...

United Kingdom

The Watneys Party Seven is making a comeback. The ubiquitous 70s beer was a bland fizzing bitter ridiculed by many. The drink’s insipidness helped...