I wrote for Premier this week on what I think Badenoch & Cates get wrong about (what the Bible says about) the relationship between the church and the welfare state.

Hope isn’t wishful thinking, it’s an act of faithful resistance. In a world that often tells us to expect the worst, hope tells us a different story: that transformation is possible, that compassion is powerful, and that justice is worth pursuing.

Ahead of today's budget our director, Hannah Rich, has written for Mainstream about how we need the moral courage in government to make decisions like ending the two child benefit limit simply because they’re the right thing to do. Read it here 👉 www.mainstreamlabour.org/blog/moral-c...

Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, I’ve written for @mainstreamlabour.bsky.social about how we need the moral courage in govt to make decisions like ending the two child benefit limit simply because they’re the right thing to do. www.mainstreamlabour.org/blog/moral-courage-and-the-two-child-benefit-limit

✍️NEW on the Mainstream blog: As the Budget looms, Labour have lost the art of making the moral case for policy - but this could change with the two-child benefit limit, writes @chrleft.bsky.social Director Hannah Rich (@hannahmerich.bsky.social). Read it below:

As we celebrate 65 years of Christians on the Left, we’re looking back to the movements that helped shape our belief that faith belongs in public life.

As we close another week filled with headlines, responsibilities, and noise, we’re reminded that God’s peace isn’t an escape from the world, it’s a grounding within it. True peace comes when we choose compassion over cynicism, hope over fear, and courage over despair.

Ahead of the Budget, we’re praying and advocating for choices that lift children out of poverty and strengthen families. Our statement today reflects our hope for a fairer economy shaped by justice and compassion.

For the past two years we’ve been calling for the Government to abolish the two-child benefit limit. 👀 Read where it all began for us with our Director, Hannah Rich’s article in the Church Times. 👉 www.christiansontheleft.org.uk/latest/labour-should-repeal-the-two-child-limit-nbsp

Change doesn’t always start with grand speeches or big policies, it often begins with quiet faithfulness in small things. Every honest conversation, every act of kindness, every time we stand up for someone who’s overlooked, these are seeds of transformation. 🌱

We’re a community of Christians from every denomination or none — united by a belief that faith belongs in politics. Whether you’re lifelong Labour or just starting to explore how your faith shapes your values, there’s a place for you here.

✊ On 10 April 1848, tens of thousands gathered on Kennington Common to demand political rights and dignity for working people at the height of the Chartist movement.

We’re grateful for everyone who makes up our Christians on the Left family. Members, volunteers, MPs, and friends who believe faith still has a vital voice in politics. Thank you for walking with us in faith and solidarity. 🌹✝️

As this week draws to a close, we’re reminded that our faith and politics don’t just live in speeches or campaigns — they live in the small, everyday acts of love, honesty, and courage.

You don’t have to choose between your faith and your politics. Join a community of people who believe that following Jesus means standing up for the poor, the planet, and the common good. 💜 You belong here. 👉 Join now: christiansontheleft.org.uk/membership

“The essence of all morality is this: to believe that every human being is of infinite importance.” — R.H. Tawney As Christians on the Left celebrates 65 years of faith and fellowship in action this year, we look back to one of our earliest inspirations: R.H. Tawney.

Our strength is in our community — people of faith standing together for a fairer, kinder world. Every member makes our movement stronger. 💜 What do you value most about being part of Christians on the Left? Share your thoughts below 👇

Jesus turned the idea of power upside down, teaching that greatness isn’t about status or control, but humility, compassion, and the courage to put others first. 🤲As Christians on the Left, we believe politics at its best is service, to the poor, the marginalised, and the common good.

Did you know we have a newsletter? And you don’t have to be a member to receive it (although we’d love it if you were!) Our Christians on the Left newsletter brings it all straight to your inbox: inspiring updates, campaign news, and reflections from members old and new.

In 1964, as Harold Wilson’s Labour government began its term, a special service was held in the Crypt Chapel at Westminster — acknowledging the role of Christians in shaping Britain’s future. A moment that reminded us: our faith belongs not just in church, but in the heart of public life. 🙏🏽

What does faith look like at the Labour Party Conference? Our latest blog reflects on this, from heartfelt conversations on social justice and international development to moments of prayer, purpose, and hope.

In an age of division and noise, Paul’s words remind us that our wellbeing is deeply connected to one another’s. Faith teaches us that community is not a convenience, it’s a calling. When our neighbours struggle, our response isn't charity alone, it's solidarity.

🌿 Our faith calls us to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly - not only in church, but in our public life too. For 65 years, Christians on the Left has brought believers together to live that calling out in politics.

" What thoughtful rich people call the problem of poverty , thoughtful poor people with equal justice call the problem of riches.”

In a week when debates around the cost of living dominate the headlines, this verse reminds us that faith calls us to advocacy, not silence. As Christians on the Left, we’re committed to challenging systems that keep people in poverty & amplifying the voices of those too often unheard.

✝️ Whether you’re Anglican or Adventist, Methodist or Pentecostal, Catholic, Baptist or Quaker, anything in between or no denomination at all - if your faith calls you to seek justice, compassion, and equality, there’s a place for you here.

Long before hashtags and online hustings, Christians were working for justice in the public square. From abolitionists to suffragists, their faith moved them to act for equality, dignity, and compassion. 🙌 We walk in that same tradition today.

We were grateful to have @OpenDoorsUK sponsor our church service at the Labour Conference this year. Now, join us in supporting their Africa Arise campaign & sign the petition for persecuted Christians in Africa: 👇 tinyurl.com/2s45vsyr

As politicians debate climate targets, Psalm 24 reminds us that creation is not ours to exploit, it is entrusted to our care by God Faith compels us to treat the planet not as a resource to be used up, but as a gift to steward. And politics is one of the ways we put that stewardship into action.

Last week at #LabourConference25, Christians on the Left showed how faith can inspire politics that is compassionate, just, and hopeful. 🌱 If you believe in that vision, we’d love you to be part of this movement. 👉 Join CotL today: christiansontheleft.org.uk

On the anniversary of the October 7th attacks, we remember the lives lost and those changed forever. We pray for an end to the conflict, the return of the hostages and a secure, lasting peace in the whole region.

💬 “Labour in power have lifted children out of poverty before & they can do it again" -Hannah Rich 💬 “I pray we can be salt and light to those in government” - Anna Dixon MP Just a few of the powerful words shared during #Labour25. Which quote resonates with you most? ⬇️ Feel free to share them!

It was a pleasure to make the case for ambitious action to fix the global debt & tax systems at #LabourConference2025 on panels by @serauk.bsky.social @labourcid.bsky.social @chrleft.bsky.social and others. @uklabour.bsky.social has a proud legacy on development that its members want to build on

A statement from our chair @annadixonmp.bsky.social welcoming today's announcement of Bishop Sarah Mullally as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

We send our prayers, love and solidarity to our Jewish brothers and sisters across the country, and all in @jewishlabour.bsky.social, following the horrific events in Manchester on this holiest of days. We are mourning with you.

And that's a wrap #Lab25! We're so thankful for all of you who came to the church service on Sunday, attended the events and for the wonderful conversations we had. We are heading home with full hearts and excited for what's next!

Hannah Rich was excellent in last nights panel speaking boldly on the 2 child cap with Compass, Mainstream Labour, Nadia Whittome and John Denham. Chaired by Neal Lawson #LAB25

Great start to #Lab25 with a wonderful @chrleft.bsky.social service with Chair Anna Dixon MP and Director @hannahmerich.bsky.social. Then ending the day with the @bondngo.bsky.social @labourcid.bsky.social international development reception with Minister for development Baroness Chapman

@hannahmerich.bsky.social director of @chrleft.bsky.social on scrapping the two-child benefit limit : « it’s just the right thing to do. It’s just that simple. »

Genuinely hope-filled first day of #Lab25 conference, with the @chrleft.bsky.social church service, Catholics for Labour mass at the cathedral, hearing @albomp.bsky.social speak, and a panel on faith in development with amazing partners. More of this please!

Full room at the @chrleft.bsky.social church service at #Lab25 - great to hear from @annadixonmp.bsky.social and many more.

Don’t forget this Sunday, 9AM, Labour Party Church Service where we’re celebrating 65 years as an organisation! Run in partnership with Open Doors, we’ll be joined by Rachel Lampard, Director of Social Justice and Social Action at the Methodist Church. Also livestreamed on Youtube!

As debates on migration and asylum continue, this verse reminds us of a central Christian truth: every person is made in God’s image. Our faith calls us to resist fear and division, and instead to practise hospitality, compassion, and justice.

I can't imagine starting conference any other or better way than in church with @chrleft.bsky.social - join us this Sunday in Liverpool. All, and we really do mean all, welcome.

Great to see this letter from 100+ Labour MPs, including our chair @annadixonmp.bsky.social, urging the govt to scrap the two child benefit limit & tax the gambling industry. 🗳️If you're a #Lab25 delegate: please back 'Supporting Families' in the Priorities Ballot to put this motion forward.

We’re delighted to hear that the contemporary motion on the 2 child benefit cap will be included in the priorities ballot at this weekend's Labour conf. If you are a delegate we’d appreciate your support in voting for Supporting Families in Sunday’s ballot.

“An understanding of that heritage & intellectual tradition, we argue, could be the reset the government is crying out for, & this deputy leadership election a valuable opportunity to inject it into the conversation.” Our Director, Hannah with Andy Grey in Labour List Read more

Are you heading to Liverpool at the end of the month for this year’s Labour Party conference? If so, we are running a couple of events which we’d love to see you at.