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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing worshippers to sing in church prior to 19 July 2021.

Places of worship play an important role in providing spiritual leadership and bringing communities together. However, their communal nature can make them particularly vulnerable to the spread of coronavirus.

Congregational singing has been suspended due to the increased risk of transmission through small droplets and aerosols.

This means that those taking part in such activities are at higher risk of transmitting the virus and spreading infection.

However, in line with Government's proposals to move to Step 4 of the roadmap out of lockdown, congregational singing indoors, with or without masks, will be able to resume from 19 July.