Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week bishops in the House of Lords asked questions about fixed odds betting terminals, the case of Asia Bibi in Pakistan and health spending on HIV prevention. Bishops spoke in debates on peace and stability following the EU referendum and on the Fit To Work scheme. They also took part in debates and votes on the Government’s Investigatory Powers Bill and Children and Social Work Bill. Bishops also spoke in support of Private Member’s Bills on House of Lords reform and disability equality.
The Bishops of Chester, Southwark and Birmingham were on duty throughout the week, leading prayers in the Lords Chamber at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 17th October
T
he Bishop of Chester took part in debates on amendents to the Government’s Investigatory Powers Bill and subsequent votes on amendments.
Tuesday 18th October
The Bishop of Chester asked a question about health spending on HIV prevention.
He also spoke in support of amendments to the Government’s Children and Social Work Bill to improve support for care leavers. He and the Bishop of Leeds voted on the amendments.
The Bishop of Leeds spoke in a debate on peace and stability following the EU Referendum.
Wednesday 19th October
The Bishop of Chester spoke and voted on amendments to the Government’s Investigatory Powers Bill.
The Bishop of Derby spoke in a debate on the Government’s Fit To Work Scheme.
Thursday 20th October
The Bishop of St Albans asked a question about the link between Fixed Odds Betting Terminals and the rise in violent crime associated with betting shops.
The Bishop of St Albans also received a written answer to a question on the case of Asia Bibi in Pakistan.
Friday 21st October
The Bishop of Birmingham spoke in support of a Bill to reduce the size of the House of Lords.
The Bishop of Bristol spoke in support of the Abortion (Disability Equality) Bill.
