Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week in the House of Lords bishops spoke and voted on the Government’s EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill and spoke and voted on amendments to the Government’s Neighbourhood Planning Bill. Bishops spoke in a debate on housing, paid tribute to a former Leader of the House and asked questions about local business rates, North Korea and unaccompanied child refugees. In the House of Commons the Second Church Estates Commissioner answered questions on wi-fi, art exhibitions, the Church in South Sudan and the House of Bishops’ Report on Human Sexuality. She answered written questions on wi-fi, church building repairs, the clergy credit union and procurement.
The Bishop of Newcastle was on duty throughout the week, leading prayers in the Lords Chamber at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 27th February
The Bishop of Newcastle spoke to an amendment about the north east economy on the EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. She also paid tribute on behalf of the Bishops’ Benches to the late former Leader of the House, Lord Waddington.
The Bishop of Durham asked a question about unaccompanied child refugees.
Tuesday 28th February
The Bishop of Peterborough asked a question about refugee returns from China to North Korea.
The Archbishop of York spoke in support of an amendment to the Government’s Neighbourhood Planning Bill. The Bishop of St Albans voted on the amendment.
Wednesday 1st March
The Archbishop of York spoke against an amendment to the Government’s EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. He and the Bishops of London, St Albans, Leeds and Newcastle, voted on the amendment.
The Bishop of St Albans asked a question about local business rates.
Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP answered written questions about the clergy credit union and Church Commissioner procurement.
Thursday 2nd March
The Bishop of Newcastle spoke in a debate on housing, raising the need for communities as well as homes.
The Bishop of St Albans spoke in the same debate, highlighting the need for affordable rural housing.
In the House of Commons Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP answered questions on wi-fi in churches, art exhibitions in churches, the Anglican Church in South Sudan and the House of Bishops’ Report on Human Sexuality. She answered written questions on wi-fi and church building repairs.
