Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
In the past week, the Second Church Estates Commissioner has led the debate on the Church of England Measure for Women Bishops, which was passed by MPs and then went on to receive Royal Assent.
In the House of Lords bishops have supported amendments to the Government’s Criminal Justice and Courts Bill and Deregulation Bill and spoken about apprenticeships and further education. Bishops have also asked questions about free schools, freedom of religion in Iran and fuel costs.
Monday 20th October
The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Rt Hon Sir Tony Baldry MP, led a debate in the House of Commons on the Bishops and Priests (Consecration and Ordination of Women) Measure. MPs approved the Measure, which went on to receive Royal Assent later in the week. The full text of the debate is here.
The House of Lords debated the Government’s Criminal Justice and Courts Bill during its Report Stage. Peers debated an amendment from Crossbench Peer Lord Lloyd of Berwick to Clause 10, relating to treatment of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences. The Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev James Langstaff, joined several Peers in expressing support for the amendment and he voted for its inclusion during the subsequent Division of the House. His speech is here.
Tuesday 21st October
Baroness Thornton asked Her Majesty’s Government “what measures they are taking to increase the representation of women in public life”. The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth, asked a supplementary question on the recent approval of the Women Bishops Measure, which can be seen here.
Baroness Massey of Darwen asked Her Majesty’s Government “what steps they are taking to ensure a fair admissions policy in schools.” The Bishop of Peterborough, Rt Rev Donald Allister, asked a supplementary question on free schools, which can be seen here.
Three bishops took part in three votes on the Government’s Deregulation Bill during the House of Lords committee stage. Details here.
Wednesday 22nd October
The House of Lords debated amendments to the Government’s Criminal Justice and Courts Bill during the second day of its Report Stage. The Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev James Langstaff, supported amendments to proposals for secure colleges for young offenders. Details here.
Thursday 23rd October
The Bishop of St Albans, Rt Rev Alan Smith, received two written answers from Government to questions he had raised about freedom of religion and belief in Iran, which can be read here.
The Bishop also received a written answer to a question on fuel costs and pre-payment meters, which can be read here.
The House of Lords debated a motion in the name of Lord Monks, “that this House takes note of the case for improved alternatives for young people not attending university.” The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth, made a speech, which focused on examples of FE and apprenticeships in his diocese. It can be read here.
The Church of England in Parliament 
You must be logged in to post a comment.