The House of Lords this week became a venue for heartfelt tributes and calls for increased civility in public discourse, as peers remembered Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old Reform politician and devout Catholic, who was discovered dead in her home last week. Her death, described by Counter Terrorism Policing as a “targeted attack,” has sparked conversations about the need for greater respect for differing opinions.
Lord Alton, in his tribute, highlighted the need to foster a climate of acceptance and tolerance. He remarked, “Ann was intelligent, principled, and kind. Yes, her beliefs were founded on those twin pillars of faith and patriotism in a very toxic environment, fuelled often … by hatred.”
He further emphasized the importance of respecting diversity and supporting minorities, stating, “We have to do far more to respect difference and diversity and uphold minorities in our community. We must work far harder to create a climate in which difference of opinion can be expressed with tolerance and respect.”
In addition to calling for a book of condolence to honor Widdecombe’s memory, he urged creating an environment where people can express diverse opinions respectfully.
Conservative peer Lord True also voiced concerns about the current state of political debate and the risks faced by public figures. Addressing those who had disparaged Widdecombe after her death, he stated, “To those who sneered about Ann Widdecombe after the news of her death or, worse, welcomed her death, I say that to try to unsay such things when you learn of the manner of her death does not make it okay. Your shameful words are indelible, and their stain lies not on her but forever on you.”
Lord True further noted, “There is too much easy hatred in politics today. We must confront all its perpetrators and root them out.” He praised Widdecombe for her strong principles and dedication to public service, saying, “People who knew her in the House of Commons say there was never a harder-working constituency MP. She worked for the causes in which she believed day in, day out, right to the very end.”
The Lord Speaker, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, offered a personal tribute to his long-time friend, also pointing out the absence of Church of England bishops during the session. He said, “She had that quality that guarantees all other virtues: immense courage,” and added, “She also had great empathy for people, even those she disagreed with.”
Forsyth noted her deep faith, stating, “She had a deep and abiding faith, and she believed that she would be with her maker now. If anyone deserves to be with their maker, it is Ann, because of her dedication and deep-held beliefs.”
Despite disagreements with her views, he urged pride in her public service, “We may not have believed in everything she said, but all of us who are sending our condolences to her family should take pride in and have gratitude for her record of public service, which honoured us all and which adorned our Parliament and our democracy.”
On social media, the Church of England faced criticism for the absence of its bishops during the tribute. Widdecombe, originally an Anglican, converted to Catholicism following the Church of England’s decision in 1993 to ordain women as bishops.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
