Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, if he will have discussions with religious groups on reintroducing a National Day of Prayer to reflect on the terrorist threats the UK faces.

The Government recognises the contribution that people of faith can make to their own local communities and to wider society. Freedom of religious observance for all citizens is a fundamental principle of a free society and people draw on a range of sources to define and express their identity. The Government has no overarching role in regulating personal belief or faith. There are already several international days of prayer, i.e. All Saints Day and Women’s World Day of Prayer.

As well as these, faith leaders regularly come together to pray for specific issues. Recently, Lord Ahmad took part in a prayer vigil at Westminster Cathedral for Iraq with leading members of faith communities from around the country.