The Church of England in Parliament

Bishop of Southwark supports regret motions on changes to immigration regulations

On 14th April 2026, the Bishop of Southwark spoke in support of two regret motions regarding the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules published on 5^th March 2026, expressing concern regarding the impact of the changes on refugees, family reunion, and discourse surrounding migration:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, it is a privilege to follow noble Members of this House speaking with wisdom, compassion and conviction. I understand that, in the current polarised climate, the Government want an immigration policy that is not only capable of exercising control over migration into this country but is demonstrably seen to be doing so. In that endeavour, the recent summary of immigration statistics, published for the year ending 31 December 2025, indicates a marked reduction in inward migration in most categories, although that of illegal channel crossings—itself not the largest category by some margin—remains stubbornly immune to downward pressure.

I wish to offer some observations from these Benches that, while sympathetic to where Ministers find themselves, none the less owe a debt of gratitude to the regret Motions from the noble Lords, Lord German and Lord Dubs, for making it possible to have this debate—for which I express thanks.

Bishop of Southwark asks about sovereignty of the Chagos Islands

The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands on 14th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I fully understand the sensitivities of the status of the islands in the light of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, but will the Minister confirm that such an opinion does not have the force of law? I impress on the Minister that the view from these Benches is to give priority for consultations to Chagos Islanders and their descendants, for the very important preservation of the current marine protected reserve and to begin a fresh approach to a new settlement for the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Bishop of Southwark asks about conflict in the Middle East

The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the need for diplomacy to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, following a government statement on recent events and the implications for UK security on 14th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for coming to the House to answer questions on the Statement on the Middle East and to the Prime Minister for his diplomatic efforts in the Gulf. From these Benches, we believe that the initiation of this conflict, the attacks by Iran on its neighbours and the closure of the straits are unjustified. I know from my recent conversation with the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf that the peoples of the nine nations in the diocese dearly want peace from the threat and the reality of war. I agree with the Minister that the focus now needs to be desperately on de-escalation.

Votes: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

On 13th April 2026, the House of Lords debated the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which a Bishop took part:

Bishop of Southwark pays tribute to departing Clerk of Parliaments

The Bishop of Southwark joined in tributes to the departing Clerk of Parliaments, Simon Burton, on 13th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, from these Benches I echo the comments of those noble Lords who have gone before me. I pay tribute to Simon Burton, whose service as Clerk of the Parliaments has been of lasting value to the House.

The strength of our parliamentary life depends not only on those who speak in debate but on those who ensure that our work is carried out with integrity, order and constitutional faithfulness. In that vital task, Simon has served with distinction. As Clerk of the Parliaments, he has been both guardian of ancient custom and wise guide through modern complexity. He has exercised that responsibility with clarity of judgment, intellectual rigour and an unfailing sense of proportion.

Bishop of Chelmsford asks about current conflict in Iran

The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answer on 13th April 2026:

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of the United States about risks to Iran’s territorial integrity of arming separatist groups in Iran.

Bishop of Leicester asks about immigration status of care leavers

The Bishop of Leicester received the following written answer on 13th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Leicester asked His Majesty’s Government how many care leavers did not have their immigration status resolved before reaching the age of 18 in each of the last five years.

Bishop of Leicester asks about report on intra-community violence in Leicester

The Bishop of Leicester received the following written answer on 13th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Leicester asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the 2022 Leicester violence, Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester, published on 23 February.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill: Bishop of Southwark supports amendments on conscientious objections

The Bishop of Southwark spoke in support of an amendment to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life Bill) intended to provide a framework for conscientious objections and opt-outs to the bill for a wider range of health and social care staff on 27th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I am glad to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Fox of Buckley, because I added my signature to Amendment 673 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Fraser, as did the noble Lords, Lord Carlile and Lord Hunt of Kings Heath.

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