Motion

Part of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill - Committee (1st Day) – in the House of Lords at 10:06 am on 14 November 2025.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Conservative 10:06, 14 November 2025

My Lords, I suppose it would be apt for me to complete the Holy Trinity of faith. We have started with the Christian faith, we have heard a Jewish dimension and we have heard about equality and opportunity. As a member of the Islamic faith and as a practising Muslim, I say that, while I fully respect the House and I am grateful to the Chief Whip and the Leader, it is important that we reflect all traditions.

One of the main challenges that I have with this Bill is the lack of consultations with different communities. As many noble Lords will be aware, Friday is also a sacred day for Muslims, particularly in the middle of the day with the Jummah prayer. I just flag that point. I of course respect the organisation and the business of the House, but ask that there is time for those who practise the faith and choose to offer prayer by congregation in the middle of the day. Following on in support of my noble friends Lord Shinkwin and Lord Polak, I think that the diversity of our country, the diversity of the House and the respect of all traditions and faiths is something that should be borne in mind.

Chief Whip

The government chief whip, whose official title is parliamentary secretary to the Treasury, is appointed by the prime minister and is responsible to him.

The chief whip has to maintain party discipline and to try to ensure that members of the party vote with the government in important debates.

Along with the other party whips he or she looks after the day-to-day management of the government's business in Parliament.

The chief whip is a member of the Cabinet.

It is customary for both the government and the opposition chief whips not to take part in parliamentary debates.

The chief whip's official residence is Number 12 Downing Street.