Month: May 2018

Church Commissioner written answer: out-of-school education

On 30th May 2018, Dame Caroline Spelman, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, answered a written question from Bob Blackman, the Conservative Member for Harrow East, about the Church’s view of the Government’s consultation on out-of-school education settings:

Bob Blackman: To ask the Honourable Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, could she update the House on the view of the Church of England’s Education Office following the publication of the Government’s response to the Out-of-school education consultation. Continue reading “Church Commissioner written answer: out-of-school education”

Week in Westminster, 21st May – 25th May 2018

This week in the House of Lords the Bishop of London was introduced  and took her seat on the Bishops’ Benches. Bishops also asked  questions about religious literacy in Government, the UK Shared Prosperity fund, and support for  hospitals and injured protesters in Gaza.

The Bishop of Oxford and Bishop of Worcester were on duty in the Lords throughout the week, reading prayers at the start of each sitting day.

Continue reading “Week in Westminster, 21st May – 25th May 2018”

Bishop of Worcester raises critical situation of Anglican-run hospital in Gaza

On 24th May Baroness Tonge asked Her Majesty’s Government “whether they intend to provide support to the Palestinian Authority in its complaint against Israel to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; and if so, how”. The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Revd John Inge, asked a follow-up question:

The Lord Bishop of Worcester: My Lords, while argument goes on internationally about who was responsible for what happened in Gaza, is the Minister aware of the enormous suffering that continues there, particularly since the dreadful events of a little while ago? At the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, run by the Anglican Church in Gaza, for example, the situation is described as critical. Is the Minister aware of that? What humanitarian aid is being provided to the people of Gaza at present, particularly to those injured? Continue reading “Bishop of Worcester raises critical situation of Anglican-run hospital in Gaza”

Bishop of London introduced to House of Lords

On Thursday 24th May 2018 the Bishop of London, Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, was Introcuced to the House of Lords by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of Chichester, and took her seat on the Bishops’ Benches.

Continue reading “Bishop of London introduced to House of Lords”

Bishop of Southwark asks about access to medical care for injured protesters in Gaza

On 24th May the Bishop of Southwark, Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, received a written answer to a question on access to medical care in Gaza for those injured in recent protests:
The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Israel about the
scale of acute and long-term medical care available to those injured in the protests at the border with Gaza between 30 March and 14 May, including the provision of increased resources in Gaza and access to facilities on the West Bank and in Israel. [HL7951]

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about access to medical care for injured protesters in Gaza”

Bishop of Portsmouth asks about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

On 22nd May the Bishop of Portsmouth, Rt Revd  Christopher Foster, received written answers to three questions about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. 

The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to publish the consultation on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Continue reading “Bishop of Portsmouth asks about the UK Shared Prosperity Fund”

Bishop of Worcester asks about religious literacy in Government, especially of Islam

Worcester271117On 21st May 2018, Lord Ahmed tabled an Oral Question ‘To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to encourage Iran and Saudi Arabia to work together to bring peaceful solutions to the conflicts in Syria and Yemen.’ The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd Dr John Inge, asked a follow up question:

The Bishop of Worcester: My Lords, does the Minister accept the continuing pressing need to improve religious literacy, not least concerning Sunni and Shia, within and without Whitehall if we in this country are properly to understand, let alone address, the problems to which reference has been made? Continue reading “Bishop of Worcester asks about religious literacy in Government, especially of Islam”

Week in Westminster, 14th May – 18th May 2018

This week in the House of Lords the Bishop of St Albans welcomed the Government announcement on the reduction in the maximum stake for fixed-odds betting terminals from £100 to £2. Bishops also asked  questions about Gaza, immigration removals and appeals, renewable energy, forced marriage, childcare costs, Universal Credit, NHS chaplaincy, forestry, and support for cathedrals. Bishops voted on amendments to the Government’s EU (Withdrawal) Bill and the Bishop of Lincoln was appointed to a Lords Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities. Continue reading “Week in Westminster, 14th May – 18th May 2018”

Bishop of St Albans welcomes Government announcement on fixed-odds betting terminals

On 17th May 2018 Lord Ashton of Hyde repeated a statement made in the House of Commons by the Culture Secretary, about the Government’s new policy on gaming machines and social responsibility. The Bishop warmly welcomed the news that maximum stakes on fixed-odds betting machines would be reduced from £100 to £2:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, I too welcome this Statement, which represents a significant progress in our efforts to bring about a sensible and ordered scheme of gambling regulation in this country. I also pay tribute to the Minister in this House, to the Minister in the other place, to the Secretary of State and to the Prime Minister for their moral courage in the face of a lot of opposition in making this excellent decision, not least to reduce the stakes for FOBTs down to £2. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans welcomes Government announcement on fixed-odds betting terminals”

Bishop of Lincoln appointed to Lords Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities

On 17th May 2018 the House of Lords approved a motion to create a Committee to meet for a year, to consider the regeneration of seaside towns and communities. The Bishop of Lincoln, Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, was appointed as one of the Members of the Committee:

Continue reading “Bishop of Lincoln appointed to Lords Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities”