Labour leadership contenders to debate faith and politics

The candidates for Labour leader are to face questions on the role faith has to play in politics.

Labour's Christian Socialist Movement has organised a hustings event at Westminster Central Hall next month and all five candidates will be attending.

The meeting on 5 July is one way in which CSM is contributing to the debate about how the Labour Party can renew itself.

CSM director Andy Flannagan said: "Faith is one of the foundations of the Labour Party and something the Party values today.

"This will be a hustings event with a difference. The candidates will face all sorts of questions and will be asked what they think about the role of faith in politics."

CSM ran a similar event during the Labour deputy leadership election in 2007.

The five candidates for the Labour leadership are: Diane Abbott, Ed Balls, Andy Burnham, David Milliband, and Ed Milliband.

Mr Flannagan said: "We're looking for candidates to state clearly what ethical values form the basis of their political beliefs.

"We want to hear about examples of how those values will be put into practice in policy terms.

"Our members and supporters are already debating on our website the questions they want to ask."

CSM believes that its link with the churches gives it a unique perspective on how the Labour Party should renew itself while in Opposition.

Mr Flannagan added: "The transformative success of many church-based projects all over the UK mean that Christians have much to contribute to the debate about the future of the party.

"During the general election, Christians in the Labour party made a significant impact, and we are looking forward to playing our part in the remoulding of the party."