This week in the House of Lords bishops asked questions about support for children with a parent in prison, the delay in lowering the stakes on betting machines, and on rail fares. They spoke in debates on problem gambling and the impact on family life of reductions in welfare benefits. The Bishop of Newcastle welcomed the creation of the new North of Tyne combined authority.
The Bishop of Portsmouth was on duty in the Lords throughout the week, reading prayers at the start of each sitting day.
Monday 29th October
The Bishop of Winchester asked a question about the cost of travel, investment and overcrowding on the railways.
Tuesday 30th October
The Bishop of Newcastle spoke to support the Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018.
The Bishop of Gloucester asked Government to increase support for children with a parent in prison.
The Bishop of St Albans asked the Government about the delay in reducing the maximum stake on fixed odds betting machines.
Wednesday 30th October
No contributions were made
Thursday 31st October
The Bishop of Portsmouth spoke on behalf of the Bishop of St Albans in a debate on the number of people being hospitalised with gambling addiction.
He also responded to a Government Statement about the delay in reducing maximum stakes on fixed odds betting terminals and in a debate about the impact on family life of multiple reductions in welfare benefits.
Friday 26th October
The House was not sitting