Christian Peoples Alliance

The beginnings of the party can be traced to the Movement for Christian Democracy (MCD),Freston, Protestant Political Parties, 52 a group founded in 1990 with the aim to combat rising secularism within the United Kingdom. The three founding members were David Alton, Derek Enright and Ken Hargreaves, who were Members of Parliament representing the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative parties respectively. Though political parties with explicitly Christian aims and values had been previously established within the United Kingdom, such as the Protestant Unionist Party (PUP) in Northern Ireland, the MCD, unlike the PUP, claimed to represent both Protestants and Catholics on a nationwide, rather than regional, basis.

The MCD existed as a cross-party advocacy group and never became a political party.Watts, Pressure Groups, 11. However, many of its members sought to form the CPA; the movement's chairman, Alan Storkey, and its vice-chairman, David Campanale, formed the CPA in 1999 following a consultation of MCD members. In the 1997 general election Storkey stood as a Christian Democrat in Enfield Southgate.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/vote2001/results_constituencies/constituencies/238.stm|title=Results & Constituencies|work=BBC News}}

Following the devolution of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, elements of proportional representation at a local government level{{vague|reason=Was proportional representation a new introduction or was it the electoral system that was already in place?|date=August 2020}} saw the party gain confidence.{{vague|reason=Did they gain seats?|date=August 2020}} In 2000, Ram Gidoomal, a convert from Hinduism to Christianity, became the party's leader.{{cite news |title=Year of the Ram?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/jun/10/londonpolitics.elections2004|work=The Guardian | date=10 June 2004 | access-date=24 March 2010 | location=London}}

Gidoomal stood for election in the 2000 London mayoral election, gaining 98,549 votes and finishing fifth, ahead of the Green Party in first preference votes. The party campaigned on job opportunities for Londoners, amongst other policies.Bolton, The Entrepreneur in Focus, 188. In November that year, a candidate supported by the Christian Peoples Alliance stood at the Preston by-election, finishing seventh.[http://www.election.demon.co.uk/by1997.html Byelections in the 1997 parliament] Election Database

Following this, the party continued campaigning in London, mostly in working class areas, such as Canning Town in Newham. In 2002, Alan Craig became the first Christian Democrat to be elected in Britain, as a member of Newham London Borough Council.{{cite web|title=London Borough of Newham Election Results 1964-2010|url=http://www.electionscentre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Newham-1964-2010.pdf|website=Elections Centre|publisher=Plymouth University|access-date=28 July 2024}}

File:Alan craig cropped.jpg

After the 2004 London mayoral election, Gidoomal stepped down as party leader to be succeeded by Craig. The party contested the 2005 general election with little electoral success, though a "blind candidating" contest run by the BBC's Newsnight programme saw members of the public, unaware of the party of each contestant speaking, place the party's manifesto and policies second.{{cite web|title=Christian Party Manifesto comes 2nd in Pre-General Election Newsnight Contest|url=http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/christian.party.manifesto.comes.2nd.in.pregeneral.election.newsnight.contest/2673.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615053015/http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/christian.party.manifesto.comes.2nd.in.pregeneral.election.newsnight.contest/2673.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2009|website=Christian Today|author=Anna Lisa|date=22 April 2005|access-date=26 February 2021}}

In 2006, The party won two more council seats in Canning Town. Later that year, Cardinal Keith O'Brien and Bishop Philip Tartaglia attended the party conference in Glasgow prior to the Scottish Parliament elections. Bishop Tartaglia gave a speech opening the conference in which he praised a number of party policies.{{cite web|title=Cardinal Throws Weight Behind Scottish Christian Democratic Party for Holyrood 2007 Elections|url=http://ischool.co.uk/CardinalThrowsWeightBehindScottishChristianDemocraticParty.htm|publisher=The Catholic Union of Great Britain|access-date=1 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818164616/http://ischool.co.uk/CardinalThrowsWeightBehindScottishChristianDemocraticParty.htm|archive-date=18 August 2011}} In the following year, the party had two members elected at parish council level for Aston cum Aughton in the Metropolitan Borough of Rotherham.{{cite web|title=More local councillors elected for Christian Peoples Alliance|url=http://www.ecpyn.org/k/9308/news/view/162537/124284/More-local-councillors-elected-for-Christian-Peoples-Alliance.html|publisher=European Christian Political Youth Network|access-date=1 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731172216/http://www.ecpyn.org/k/9308/news/view/162537/124284/More-local-councillors-elected-for-Christian-Peoples-Alliance.html|archive-date=31 July 2012}}

In January 2008, Craig defended Anglican Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali, following his comments in the Telegraph that "Islamic extremism was creating 'no-go areas' for people of a different faith." Craig described the bishop as "courageous" for raising the matter.{{cite web|title=Christian Peoples Alliance defends bishop over Islam comments|url=http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/christian.peoples.alliance.defends.bishop.over.islam.comments/16023.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108033656/http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/christian.peoples.alliance.defends.bishop.over.islam.comments/16023.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 January 2008|website=Christian Today|access-date=1 February 2009}}
- {{cite news|title=Sharia and the scare stories|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/andrewbrown/2011/jul/01/sharia-scare-stories-michael-nazir-ali|author=Andrew Brown|work=The Guardian|date=1 July 2011|access-date=21 May 2014}}

As part of a party pact with the Christian Party, Craig stood for the London mayoral election in 2008 as "The Christian Choice", gaining almost 3% of the vote.{{cite news |title=London assembly: who is standing?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2008/apr/30/london08.london|work=The Guardian | date=30 April 2008 | access-date=24 March 2010 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Owen}} This was followed with 249,493 votes at the European Parliament election 2009, 1.6% of the total.

The party's 'Mayflower Declaration' laid out the party's values and policies, voicing its opposition to the prospect of the Iraq War, deeming it "illegal, unwise and immoral" — a position by which it has stood.{{cite web |title=Three years after war, 'Iraq is worse'|url=http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=15240|work=Church Times|date=15 March 2009}}

In 2011, Craig was criticised for comparing gay rights activists to Nazis in the Church of England Newspaper.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/nov/08/anglican-newspaper-defends-gaystapo-article|title=Anglican newspaper defends 'Gaystapo' article |first=Riazat |last=Butt |date=8 November 2011|work=The Guardian}}

Craig resigned as leader in October 2012; he later joined the UK Independence Party (UKIP).{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/07/ukip-christian-alan-craig_n_5944838.html |first=Asa |last=Bennett |title=Ukip Defend Controversial Ex-Christian Party Leader Alan Craig Joining Party |website=Huffington Post UK |date=7 October 2014}}

The CPA campaigned against the building of the Abbey Mills Mosque in West Ham, planned to have been built by a sect of Islam which the CPA claimed was a "radical sect". The party's broadcast in relation to the planning was censored on both the BBC and on ITV, leading to the CPA taking unsuccessful legal action.{{cite news |title=Christian party loses BBC fight |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7376365.stm|website=BBC News | date=30 April 2008 |access-date=2 January 2010 | location=London}} A 23-year-old man from Stevenage posted a death threat on YouTube in response to the group's opposition to the mosque's construction.{{cite web|title=Death threats on YouTube for mosque opponent|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23419736-details/Death+threats+on+YouTube+for+mosque+opponent/article.do|work=Evening Standard|access-date=1 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619093656/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23419736-details/Death%2Bthreats%2Bon%2BYouTube%2Bfor%2Bmosque%2Bopponent/article.do|archive-date=19 June 2009}} The party claimed the planned mosque was an "unwanted landmark", stating its belief that the construction would "undermine community cohesion".{{cite news |title=Setback for Muslim sect's 'mega-mosque' in London|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article1853589.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724211532/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article1853589.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2008|website=The Times | first=Joanna | last=Sugden | date=29 May 2007 | access-date=1 April 2010|url-access=subscription}} A petition on the official Downing Street website to prevent the mosque's construction gained more than 255,000 signatures, claiming that the mosque would "cause terrible violence".{{cite news |title=No 10 site in mosque petition row |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6902367.stm|website=BBC News | date=17 July 2007 | access-date=2 January 2010 | location=London}}

In November 2019, during the general election campaign, it was reported that CPA would focus on opposing Stella Creasy in her Walthamstow constituency. Creasy had that summer led successful attempts to decriminalise abortion in Northern Ireland.Peter Walker and Rory Carroll, [https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/09/mps-vote-to-extend-same-sex-marriage-to-northern-ireland "MPs vote to extend abortion and same-sex marriage rights to Northern Ireland"], The Guardian, 9 July 2019. Retrieved 20 February 2024.

The CPA campaign followed another in October that year by the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, an anti-abortion group. The CBR campaign led to police passing a file to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether it constituted harassment.Mark Townsend and Edna Mohamed, [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/nov/16/police-move-on-abortion-group-targeting-stella-creasy "Fresh police move on abortion group targeting Stella Creasy"], The Guardian, 16 November 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2019.

The CPA came last with 0.5% of the vote.{{cite news |title=Walthamstow Parliamentary constituency |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14001013 |website=BBC News|access-date=28 July 2024}}

Annual accounts submitted to the Electoral Commission show an income of £11,000 for 2013.{{cite web|title=Statement of accounts (2013 - Christian Peoples Alliance|url=https://pefonline.electoralcommission.org.uk/Search/ViewReturns/StatementOfAccountsReturn.aspx|publisher=The Electoral Commission}}

Since 2007, the party has been affiliated to the European Christian Political Party, an association of Christian Democrat parties, think tanks and politicians across Europe.{{cite web|url=https://www.ecpm.info/members-and-associates.html|title=Our members and associates|publisher=European Christian Political Movement|access-date=22 May 2017}}

In 2000 and 2004 in London, it put inner-city regeneration and fighting discrimination, as its top policy priorities.[http://christian-1.cust.host-it.co.uk/fed/resources/Passion_forLoSdon_manifesto.pdf Passion for London manifesto] {{dead link|date=December 2016}}

The CPA has opposed the reclassification of cannabis.[http://christian-1.cust.host-it.co.uk/sco/indexphp?page=policies "Key Policies"], Christian Peoples Alliance {{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Retrieved 17 April 2007.

When Craig became leader he introduced policies in favour of linking Christianity to the European Union Constitution, building more church schools and supporting 5th century Christian morality. He led campaigns backing the UNISON steward at Newham Council who faced disciplinary action; against plans to build London's large casino in Newham,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/01/31/anti_casino_feature.shtml |title=Say no to casino! |website=BBC News|date=27 December 2007 |access-date=3 May 2013}} against the Excel Arms Fair;{{cite web |url=http://www.caat.org.uk/press/archive.php?url=071205prs |title=Local groups slam council veto on arms fair enquiry|publisher=Campaign Against Arms Trade |access-date=3 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806235524/http://www.caat.org.uk/press/archive.php?url=071205prs |archive-date=6 August 2012 }} against what he claims are Labour's plans to move local families out of Canning Town in support of yuppie housing. Craig has also campaigned against proposals to demolish parts of Queen Street Market in favour of "non-invasive refurbishment"{{cite web|url=http://www.friendsofqueensmarket.org.uk/ |title=Queen's Market - St Modwen not wanted! |publisher=Friends of Queens Market |access-date=3 May 2013}} environment.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/feb/18/mainsection.guardianletters2 |title=Letters: Friends of Queens market set out their stall |work=The Guardian |date= 18 February 2006|access-date=3 May 2013 |location=London}}

The party was involved in the campaign against the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 with its leader Sid Cordle speaking at a rally in Trafalgar Square. While the debates were taking place he spoke at a rally outside Westminster.

In May 2014, during the EU elections, under questioning from Andrew Neil on the BBC Daily Politics programme Cordle said that it was possible that recent storms in the UK could have been caused by God, saying, "I think all Christians believe that God does, and can do, things with nature. A lot of Christians believe God is angry over 'gay marriage' and God can show that anger if he wants to."[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/05/16/gay-marriage-god-angry-video_n_5337491.html "Gay Marriage Made God Angry And He Is Probably Making It Rain Insists Christian People’s Alliance Leader"], Huffington Post UK, 16 May 2014
- [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-27443897 "God angry at gay marriage - Christian People's Alliance"], BBC News, 16 May 2014

In May 2017, on the Daily Politics programme, Cordle was accused of "embarrassing" himself and was described as a "bigot" by the journalist Owen Jones after claiming that marriage's sole purpose was the procreation of children. The presenter, Jo Coburn, was forced to ask Cordle to allow Jones to speak on several occasions, but Cordle accused Jones of being "insulting" and claimed that Coburn's reluctance to allow him to respond to Jones was "fake news".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p052f7g5 |title=What does Christian Peoples Alliance stand for?|work=Daily Politics|date=9 May 2017|publisher=BBC}}

The Christian Peoples Alliance rejects the class struggle doctrine and supports a mixed market economy, with an emphasis on the community, social solidarity, support for social welfare provision and some regulation of market forces. The central theme is social justice, responsible charity and an emphasis on "people before profit". Within the Mayflower Declaration, the party sets out its goals and desires as providing resources to discourage economic dependency and promote gainful employment. It also supports a holistic approach to care, which moves beyond mere financial assistance, as well as help for those in danger of being pushed to the margins of society, like the homeless and disabled.{{cite web|url=http://www.cpax.org.uk/cpa/Mayflower.php|title=Mayflower Declaration|publisher=Cpax.org.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227080352/http://cpax.org.uk/cpa/Mayflower.php|archive-date=27 February 2009|url-status=dead}}

The Mayflower Declaration was updated and reprinted in early 2013 just after Cordle became leader. It now has a new introduction and at the back the policy on Europe was changed from support for the EU to "while we are members of the European Union to work with fellow Christians to seek to bring about moral and democratic reform". It subsequently went further and in its 2014 European manifesto said it wanted a referendum on the EU and that if a referendum was held it would support leaving the EU.

The party has had candidates elected at local government elections. In Newham London Borough Council, Alan Craig was a councillor (2002-2010), as were Simeon Ademolake (2006–2010) and Denise Stafford (2006–2010). Paul Martin and David Gee were elected to Aston-cum-Aughton Parish Council (2007–2009).

The party has contested a number of seats for the UK Parliament.

The party contested nine by-elections after 2017.

The party has consistently contested elections to the London Assembly but failed to gain any seats.

| style="text-align:center;"| 5

|-

! 2004

| style="text-align:center;"| 43,322{{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 2.4%{{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 54,914 {{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 2.9% {{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Composition bar|0|25|}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 8

|-

! 2008^†

| style="text-align:center;"| 65,357{{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 2.7%{{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 70,294{{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 2.9% {{steady}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Composition bar|0|25|}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 6

|-

! 2012

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| 38,758{{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 1.8% {{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Composition bar|0|25|}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 7

|-

! 2016

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| 27,172 {{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 1.0% {{decrease}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Composition bar|0|25|}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 9

|-

! 2021

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| -

| style="text-align:center;"| 28,878 {{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 1.1% {{increase}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{Composition bar|0|25|}}

| style="text-align:center;"| 8

|}

† In 2008 the CPA fielded Joint-ticket candidates with the Christian Party, standing as "Christian Choice"

• Christian Concern
• Christian Institute
• Christian Party
• Christianity and politics
• Jubilee Centre
• ProLife Alliance (1997–2004)

{{Reflist|40em|group=note}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{refbegin|30em}}

• {{cite book |title=The Entrepreneur in Focus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KxTN68uZKGkC |last= Bolton, Bill |year=2003 |publisher= Cengage Learning EMEA|isbn=978-1-86152-918-3}}
• {{cite book |title=Protestant Political Parties |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cTRDHNY_xGQC&q=%22christian+peoples+alliance%22&pg=PA54 |last= Freston, Paul |year=2004 |publisher= Ashgate Publishing|isbn=0-7546-4062-0}}
• {{cite book |last= Watts |first=Duncan |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=4typBcMW0NIC&q=%22christian+peoples+alliance%22&pg=PA11 |title= Pressure groups |access-date= 3 May 2013 |year=2007 |publisher= Edinburgh University Press |isbn=978-0-7486-2439-3}}

{{refend}}

• {{Official website|www.cpaparty.net}}

{{British political parties}}

{{United Kingdom Alternative Vote referendum, 2011}}

Category:Social conservative parties

Category:Eurosceptic parties in the United Kingdom

Category:Opposition to same-sex marriage in Europe

Category:Political parties established in 1999

Category:Right-wing parties in the United Kingdom

Category:Christian political parties in the United Kingdom

Category:Organisations that oppose LGBTQ rights in the United Kingdom

Category:1999 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:European Christian Political Party

Category:Anti-LGBTQ Christian organizations