UK EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE

Early day motion 1855, tabled 20 March 2006 by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour). Signed by 37 members.

That this House notes with concern the proposal to downgrade the UK's embassy to the Holy See and reduce the number of staff working for the Ambassador to the Vatican; recognises that the present Ambassador Francis Campbell is the first Catholic ever to hold this post and is held in high regard at the Vatican; further recognises that downgrading the Embassy sends all the wrong messages to the Vatican about the importance which is attached to this post by the British Government as well as hindering the crucial role the Ambassador can play; and calls on the Government to review its plans and to leave the current status of the Embassy in place.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Conservative 11, Liberal Democrat 4, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Scottish National Party 1.