Quakers reach out to new government ministers
Quakers in Britain have written to members of the newly-appointed cabinet to raise key priorities.
Writing to six new secretaries of state on 25 July, Paul Parker, Recording Clerk of Quakers in Britain, congratulated them on their appointment and expressed his best wishes as they embark on their significant roles.
“We will hold you and your colleagues in the Light as you carry out your public service," the letters said.
Quakers also called for the ministers to take bold and immediate action in areas such as climate justice, peace, migration, and truth and integrity.
In their letter to Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Quakers welcomed Labour's pledges on climate and environment in its manifesto and offered to collaborate with the government to re-establish the UK's position as a responsible and committed climate leader.
This included exploring ways to raise new and additional funding to address both Loss and Damage in the poorest countries around the world and our transition to a sustainable economy in the UK.
Writing to Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Quakers emphasised the need for the government to take forward the improvements to truth and integrity in public life set out in Labour's manifesto.
Letters were also sent to the Defence, Education, Foreign, and Home Secretaries, covering issues including arms sales to Israel, our asylum system, peer mediation, and the right to protest.
"Quakers have a long history of for social justice, peace, and environmental stewardship," said Paul Parker. "We believe it is crucial for the new government to prioritise these issues and take bold action to create a more just and sustainable world. We look forward to working with them on this."