House of Lords Debate "Thought for the Day"

On Wednesday 4 November, the House of Lords debated BBC Radio 4's policy of only allowing religious speakers on Thought for the Day.

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Taverne contributed to the debate saying: "In its present form, it seems to be assumed by the BBC that it must be a god slot, reflecting what many churchmen tell us on 'Thought for the Day', that only belief in god provides a basis for morality. This argument does not stand up. ....humanists, who do not believe in a god, have as much right to have a say in a slot about morality as believers."

Lord Birt, former Director-General of the BBC, spoke, saying: "The BBC must one day soon loosen the stranglehold of the established religious organisations and more fully embrace the humanist movement."