Leading Tory Eric Pickles MP recently derided atheists as ‘militant’ and ‘intolerant’. He also stated ‘we’re a Christian nation’ and told non-believers to ‘get over it’. These would seems to be quite shocking, exclusionary and ill-informed remarks from the Government lead for Communities, and we questioned whether this was the official Government line.
It was really rather dismaying that the Prime Minister David Cameron carried on where his Cabinet colleague left off, restating that this is a ‘Christian country’ and announcing plans to promote religion – he wants ‘to expand the role of faith’ – and to increase the role religious groups, particularly as service providers.
Where does all this leave non-believers and those who want to see a fairer, more equal and secular state, with no religious privilege? It doesn’t seem that the Conservative-led Government sees a place for us in their vision of Britain.