Thank you for contacting me about the role of bishops in the House of Lords.

I am strongly in favour of the bishops continuing their constitutional position in the second Chamber. They carry out a valuable role, reflecting the fact that we have an official Church of England in our constitution. I do believe, however, that the cost of the second chamber must be reduced.

The Government was elected on a manifesto commitment to look at the broader aspects of our constitution, including the role of the House of Lords and also the relationship between the Government, Parliament and the courts, and I myself put forward a Private Members Bill about the female succession rights in the House of Lords to show my agreement towards this.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.