---
title: "Pastor Clive Johnston convicted, Kier Starmer's future and the UK elections unpacked"
date: 2026-05-13T10:44:00+01:00
author: Zanna Meynell
canonical_url: "https://www.eauk.org/resources/our-resources/videos-and-podcasts/cross-section/keir-starmers-questionable-future-and-do-buffer-zones-restrict-religious-freedom"
section: Pages
---
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## Keir Starmer's questionable future and do buffer zones restrict religious freedom?

### Watch Cross Section here

 

 

 ](#%0A%09%09%09)

 

 

 

 

  In this episode of Cross Section, Peter Lynas, Danny Webster and Zanna Meynell sit down to discuss faith and free speech in the public square on the back of the conviction of Pastor Clive Johnston who preached John 3:16 in an abortion buffer zone. What led to this conviction and how can Christians respond?

Meanwhile, Kent County Council (a Reform-led council) are voting on whether to recite the Lord’s prayer and sing the national anthem in their meetings? Why is this being proposed and is it purely a political decision?

The second half of the episode focuses on the election results across the UK. The team reflect on the hugely significant changes in the Welsh Senedd, the Scottish Parliament results and Reform’s domination in the local elections. This of course leads into a discussion about Keir Starmer’s leadership and how long he might last as our Prime Minister.

How as Christians can we engage in politics when it feels as though we are constantly let down and chaos is constant?

 

 

  #### Chapters:

 

  00:00 Welcome  
01:19 Abortion buffer zone case  
 08:05 Gospel freedom and tactics  
11:26 Prayer in council meetings  
 16:25 Banned speakers and marches  
 22:02 Election results roundup  
 28:38 Keir Starmer’s leadership crisis  
 36:32 Political fatigue and hope  
 40:15 Closing thoughts