Kent County Council votes to add Lord’s Prayer and national anthem to meetings

Prayers are coming back to County Hall. For the first time since 1987.

Kent County Council voted Thursday to begin full meetings with the Lord’s Prayer and end them with the national anthem. The constitutional changes passed by tight margins — 48 councillors backed prayers, whilst 45 supported God Save the King. Both measures take effect from 16 July.

The Vote Breakdown

Two separate votes sealed it. The Lord’s Prayer amendment got 48 votes in favour, 15 against, with 6 abstentions. The anthem proposal scraped through more narrowly — 45 backing it, 16 opposing, and 7 sitting on their hands.

Reform UK councillor Christopher Hespe introduced both amendments. He told the chamber the changes reflected Britain’s core values. “We are a Christian monarchy, and this is about standards, it’s about patriotism, it’s about heritage, and it’s about our roots,” Hespe said.

Opposition Pushback

Liberal Democrat leader Antony Hook wasn’t having it.

“This is not a religious body — this is a statutory body carrying out statutory functions,” Hook told councillors during debate. He pointed to 2021 census data showing 40 per cent of England and Wales reported no religion. The National Secular Society also weighed in, criticising the vote publicly.

Procedural Concerns

Here’s where it gets awkward. Most councils that include prayers do so before meetings formally open — letting members who’d rather skip the religious bit join afterwards. Kent’s doing it differently. The Lord’s Prayer sits inside the formal meeting structure, meaning everyone present gets the full experience whether they want it or not.

That includes councillors and any residents who’ve turned up to watch democracy in action.

Reform UK’s First Major Change

This marks Reform UK’s first big constitutional shift since taking control of County Hall. The party seized the authority after May 2024’s local elections — making Kent the first county council they’ve ever run.

But the changes have already sparked debate about religious observance in statutory meetings. Critics argue the amendments blur lines between civic business and faith practices. Others see it as restoring traditional values.

Key Takeaways

• Kent County Council will begin meetings with the Lord’s Prayer and end with the national anthem from 16 July
• The votes passed 48-15 and 45-16 respectively, with Reform UK councillors driving the changes
• Opposition cited census data showing 40% of England and Wales reported no religion in 2021

What This Means for Kent Residents

County Hall meetings are about to feel rather different. Come 16 July, residents turning up to watch their councillors in action will hear prayers and patriotic songs bookending the proceedings. Unlike some councils where prayers happen before formal business starts, Kent’s putting the Lord’s Prayer right in the middle of proceedings.

No escape route, then. Everyone stays put.