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 on the Government’s Higher Education Bill, the Casey Review, the effect of Brexit on UK defence, and on the need to reduce the size of the House of Lords. Bishops also spoke to and voted on amendments to the Government’s Policing and Crime Bill. Bishops asked questions about self-harm by young people, judicial independence, using mobile phones whilst driving, minimum unit pricing for alcohol, and rural and coastal housing.
The Bishop of Bristol was on duty throughout the week, leading prayers in the Lords Chamber at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 5th December
The Bishop of Birmingham spoke in a debate about the need to reduce the size of the House of Lords.
The Bishop of Bristol asked a question about regulating car drivers’ use of mobile-phones.
Tuesday 6th December
The Bishop of St Albans tabled and spoke to a question on self-harm amongst children and young people.
The Bishop of Bristol asked a question about minimum unit pricing of alcohol.
The Bishop of Winchester responded to a Government statement on the Casey Review and spoke in a debate on the Government’s Higher Education and Research Bill.
Wednesday 7th December
The Bishop of Bristol spoke to an amendment he had sponsored to the Policing and Crime Bill on regulation of fixed odds betting terminals. He and the Bishop of Chester also took part in votes on amendments to the Bill.
The Bishop of Leeds asked a question about judicial independence.
Thursday 8th December
The Bishop of Portsmouth took part in a debate on post-Brexit challenges for UK defence and diplomacy.
The Bishop of St Albans asked a question about funding for homes in rural and coastal areas.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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