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Good morning.

Before the King arrives at Parliament today the Yeoman of the Guard will conduct a search of the cellars. This commemorates the moment on 5th November 1605 when Guy Fawkes was found preparing to blow up King and Parliament with 36 barrels of gunpowder: ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot’. For years afterwards special prayers of thanksgiving were said in churches in gratitude that the plot had been foiled.

All this may seem a bit bizarre to our newest members of Parliament whose worries about the building they are sitting in are more likely to be about the fact that it is crumbling around them, that its wiring is a potential fire hazard and that it will all cost billions to repair. But the searching of the cellars could have a different resonance, an opportunity for those who sit in the Commons and Lords to consider why they are there and what they owe to those who supported, elected or elevated them.

No one who sits in the House of Commons or the House of Lords does so merely as an individual. They are representatives, elected in the case of the Commons, chosen in the case of the Lords. But either way they are not just there for themselves, nor are they merely delegates standing in to mouth the demands of particular interest groups. They are meant to be men and women of judgement, capable of using reason, imagination, empathy and the power of disciplined argument for the good of all.

Last Tuesday MPs and members of the House of Lords were sworn in. Many swore on the Bible, others on another holy book. This time a large proportion decided to make a secular affirmation which led at least one commentator to remark that this was the most godless Parliament in history. Well, godless or not, we are right to expect high ethical standards from those who represent us. The concept of God, all-seeing, all-knowing, a God who explores the heart and mind is perhaps as useful to an agnostic as it is necessary to a believer. It sets a standard. It forces you to look inwards and acknowledge your prejudices, because we all have them. There are no political views which cannot be warped by self-interest, fear, bribery or guilt. There will be plenty of temptations ahead for those sitting in Parliament today. So while the yeoman of the guard are exploring the cellars beneath them perhaps our Lords and MPs could be conducting an exploration of their inner memories, motives, desires. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, as the Prayer Book says. To that, Amen and Amen.

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