On 15th April 2026, the House of Lords debated amendments to the Victims and Courts Bill. Votes were held on these amendments, in which a Bishop took part:
Votes: Victims and Courts Bill
Bishop of Southwark asks about political situation in Zimbabwe
The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the reaction of neighbouring states to changes to the Zimbabwean constitution that would allow the current President to stand for a third term in office on 15th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, as I have said on previous occasions, my diocese of Southwark is linked with four of the five Anglican dioceses in Zimbabwe, and I have visited our link dioceses on many occasions. I note that the Zimbabwe Council of Churches has called this week for the withdrawal or amendment of the Bill currently before the Zimbabwean parliament. Would the Minister advise the House what the reaction has been of neighbouring states to this latest development in the governance of Zimbabwe and its wonderful people, so poorly served by those currently in power?
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about political situation in Zimbabwe”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 5th 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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark supports regret motions on changes to immigration regulations”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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about sovereignty of the Chagos Islands”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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about conflict in the Middle East”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:
Continue reading “Votes: English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill”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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark pays tribute to departing Clerk of Parliaments”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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Chelmsford asks about current conflict 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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Leicester asks about immigration status of care leavers”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.
Continue reading “Bishop of Leicester asks about report on intra-community violence in Leicester”
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