Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle, writes:
Nothing gets the Westminster rumour mill going like a reshuffle.
The shake up of Ministers was more extensive than expected, but it remains to be seen what impact the changes in personnel will have on policy.
Dominic Raab’s move to the Ministry of Justice could lead to bolder changes to human rights law when the Independent Human Rights Act Review concludes its work later this year.
New Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, has been a champion of pro-life causes in Westminster – including abortion reform – and will now lead the Government’s work on social media regulation and online safety.
The appointment of Catholic Peer, Baroness Barran, as the Minister responsible for faith schools is a welcome step – she replaces Baroness Berridge.
Elsewhere, the decision to add the Union and levelling up agenda to Michael Gove’s extensive brief as Communities Secretary risks diminishing the faith engagement work of his department even further.
Catholic MPs Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg hold on to their seats in the Cabinet.
We pray that all of those who find themselves in public office will seek the common good and act with fairness and integrity.