Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week, bishops in the House of Lords spoke in debates about the Modern Slavery Bill, the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill, the Autumn Statement and the role of soft power and non-military responses to conflict prevention, which was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
They also asked questions about South Sudan, Syria and Iran.
Monday 1st December
The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, took part in the first day of Committee Stage for the Modern Slavery Bill, speaking in favour of three amendments – on the need for victim-focused legislation, child exploitation and the criminalisation of payment for sexual services.
The Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, received an answer to a written question on Syria. The Bishop of Derby received an answer on South Sudan.
Tuesday 2nd December
The Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister took part in the Second Reading debate of the Government’s Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill, welcoming the inclusion of legislation to create a Register of Persons with Significant Control to help tackle tax avoidance.
The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, received a written answer on social security benefits.
Wednesday 3rd December
The Bishop of Coventry received a written answer on the Baha’i community in Iran.
Thursday 4th December
The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, spoke in a take-note debate in the House of Lords on the Autumn Statement and measures to promote economic growth and to support businesses in the United Kingdom.
Friday 5th December
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, led a debate in the House of Lords to take note of the role of soft power and non-military responses to conflict prevention.The Bishop of Derby also spoke in the debate and his contribution can be read here.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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