Wera Hobhouse MP praises “invaluable” work of Bath Inter Faith Network amid “divisive” government funding withdrawal
26 February 2024
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, raised concerns with the government’s sudden decision to withdraw funding for the Inter Faith Network (IFN) amid heightened community tensions.
Wera Hobhouse praised the invaluable work by Bath IFN to bring communities together in her constituency and foster an environment of tolerance and understanding between people of different religious backgrounds. However, she expressed her frustration at the government’s plans to withdraw their funding for the charity, adding that it would leave Bath residents with nothing to replace the unique support provided by the organisation.
Mrs Hobhouse raised particular concerns with the timing of this funding withdrawal. It comes amid heightened tensions between religious communities after recent increases in antisemitism and Islamophobia reported by UK police forces. The Bath MP expressed that, against this background, withdrawing funding for an organisation that works to unite religious communities could be damaging and divisive.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Felicity Buchan, gave little comfort to Mrs Hobhouse or Bath residents, claiming that the IFN needed to diversify its funding sources. She said that the charity had been warned about the government’s plans to withdraw funding in July 2023. Yet, just over six months is not nearly enough time for the organisation to prepare plans to reform the way it supports communities. As it stands, there is no organisation to take the Inter Faith Network's place.
Mrs Hobhouse tabled EDM 422 to urge the government to reinstate funding to the Inter Faith Network.
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“The Bath Inter Faith Network has been invaluable in creating an environment in our city where tolerance, compassion and understanding unites different religious communities.
“As tensions are on the rise in the UK, it is important that organisations like the Bath Inter Faith Network have the resources and funding to be able to build unity and peace amongst religious groups. Rather than fuelling divisions, the government should focus on supporting these organisations to continue their inspiring work.”
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