Introduction

Abstract

A substantial body of scholarly research has examined in detail the interactions and interconnections between religion and politics in Britain in recent decades, in particular relations between the major Christian denominations and political parties during the era of Conservative government between 1979 and 1997 (Gover 2011; Filby 2010; Durham 1997; Martin 1989; Baker 1991; Clarke 1993; Moyser 1989; Medhurst and Moyser 1988; Machin 1998). More recent scholarly research has examined the role of religious institutions within public debate and the legislative process during the period of the Labour governments, 1997–2010, as well as the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition which entered office in May 2010 (Kettell 2009, 2013).