Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely took part in a two day debate in the House of Lords on the outcome of the EU referendum. Bishops scrutinised the Government’s Children and Social Work Bill, spoke on the rural economy, modern slavery and responded to the Government’s statement on the Chilcot Report. Bishops also asked questions on EU citizens in the UK, alcohol buying, war in Sudan, development aid and university research and voted on tobacco regulations. In the House of Commons MPs put questions to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, including on out of school settings, poverty, women bishops and human trafficking.
The Bishop of Ely, Rt Revd Stephen Conway, was on duty throughout the week, leading prayers in the Lords Chamber at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 4th July
The Bishop of Ely asked Government to speak up against attacks on EU citizens living in the UK.
The Bishop of Durham spoke during the Committee stage of the Government’s Children and Social Work Bill, supporting amendments on corporate parenting and young parents leaving care.
The Bishop of Chester voted on the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016
Tuesday 5th July
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely both spoke in the two day debate on challenges for the UK following the EU Referendum.
The Bishop of St Albans asked Government to consider regulations on bulk-buying of alcohol.
Wednesday 6th July
The Bishop of Salisbury asked a question about military action against civilians in Sudan.
The Bishop of St Albans asked a question about the classification of development aid.
The Bishop of Durham spoke during the Committee stage of the Government’s Children and Social Work Bill, supporting an amendment on profit-making in children’s social services, speaking on personal advisers and moving an amendment on data collection on child maltreatment.
The Bishop of Ely responded to the Government’s statement on the Chilcot Report on the Iraq War.
Thursday 7th July
The Second Church Estates Commissioner responded to a range of questions from MPs in the House of Commons. She also responded to two written questions, on human trafficking and commemorations of the First World War.
The Bishop of Ely asked Government about the future of university research funding after EU withdrawal.
The Bishop of St Albans spoke in a debate about future challenges to the rural economy.
Friday 8th July
The Bishop of Derby spoke in a debate on the Modern Slavery (Transparency in Supply Chains) Bill [HL].
The Church of England in Parliament 
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