Author: parliamentaryunit

Bishop of Portsmouth leads debate on health consequences of problem gambling

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On the 1st November the Bishop of Portsmouth, Rt Revd Christopher Foster led a short debate in the Lords about gambling addiction, numbers of people being hospitalised and the cost to the NHS. A full trancript of the debate is below:
The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to (1) reduce the number of problem gamblers hospitalised each year, and (2) protect vulnerable people from gambling addiction.
The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of St Albans has had, at very short notice, to remain in his diocese. He apologises for being unable to be here and to ask this Question. On his behalf and with his permission, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in his name on the Order Paper. He and I are grateful to those participating in this short debate, and look forward to their contributions. There is a seamless transition between the last item of business and this one. The right reverend Prelate’s interest in this subject comes from the people who have contacted him directly to explain how gambling has destroyed their lives. The Church has often campaigned on behalf of victims, and we on these Benches want to contribute towards some solutions.

Continue reading “Bishop of Portsmouth leads debate on health consequences of problem gambling”

Bishop of Portsmouth responds to Government statement about Fixed Odds Betting Terminals

Portsmouth 150318On the 1st November 2018 the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth, responded to a Government statement about Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals: 

The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, may I briefly make two points? The Minister has indicated that he is aware of the strong feelings in this House. He and other members of Her Majesty’s Government must have been aware, particularly on Tuesday when this matter arose at Question Time, that that concern comes from all sides of this House. He may not be aware that after playing a part on Monday, as I sat in the Commons Gallery for the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget Statement, I used the word “disappointed” about the Chancellor’s decision to delay implementing this change. The Minister may not be aware that the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury has subsequently gone further and described it as appalling.

Continue reading “Bishop of Portsmouth responds to Government statement about Fixed Odds Betting Terminals”

Bishop of Newcastle supports creation of North of Tyne Combined Authority

Newcastle - Grand CommitteeOn the 30th October 2018 the Rt Revd Christine Hardman, Bishop of Newcastle, spoke in support of the Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018. 

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, I welcome this proposal for a North of Tyne combined authority. I was present when the minded-to agreement was signed and there was a real sense of purposeful energy around the room. I agree with my noble friends Lord Beecham and Lord Shipley who talked about the level of investment that this combined authority will pull in; it is good, but very modest. I hope that nobody, including the Minister, will feel that this is anything like a sufficient answer to the critical lack of investment in the north-east. This development is a necessary but not sufficient condition for a proper level of investment in the north-east economy. Continue reading “Bishop of Newcastle supports creation of North of Tyne Combined Authority”

Bishop of Gloucester asks Government to increase support for children with a parent in prison

gloucester071117-bOn the 30th October 2018 the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester asked a question she had tabled, on Government action to increase support given to children with a parent in prison. The exchange, including the follow-up questions of other Members, is reproduced below:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they are taking to support the children of prisoners.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Con): My Lords, having a parent in custody can have a very significant impact on a child. We must understand the diverse needs of these vulnerable children and provide the necessary support. For example, recent government reforms mean that prison governors now have the budget and the flexibility to commission family services that work for their prisons and in their communities.

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: In 95% of cases where a mother receives a custodial sentence, a child has to move home. Unlike a child in care who moves home, the child of someone in custody has no guarantee of a place at the local school, and the person looking after that child receives no financial support. Will the Minister commit to identifying children of those in custody as a specific group, and ensuring that they and their carers receive the necessary support? Continue reading “Bishop of Gloucester asks Government to increase support for children with a parent in prison”

Bishop of St Albans criticises appalling delay in bringing in stake reduction on betting machines

On 30th of October Lord Griffiths of Burry Port asked the Government  whether they will introduce legislation to reduce the maximum bet for fixed-odds betting machines to £2; and if so, when. The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, asked a follow-up question:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: Many of us who have been speaking and campaigning on this issue were appalled yesterday to hear about the further time that it will take to implement this. These machines are predominantly found in the poorest areas. The research is quite clear: they cause huge poverty. On top of that, it is estimated that every day between one and two people commit suicide for gambling-related reasons. That is not only a huge social cost; it is a massive financial cost, far more than the £400 million relevant tax revenue that Her Majesty’s Government receive each year. Surely it is time to do this for the sake of everyone in our country. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans criticises appalling delay in bringing in stake reduction on betting machines”

Bishop of St Albans asks about link between suicides and gambling addiction

On 30th October 2018 the Bishop of St Albans, Rt Revd Alan Smith, received a written answer from Government about suicides linked to problem gambling or gambling addiction:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what estimate they have made of the number of suicides that were linked to gambling addiction or problem gambling from 2010 till 2018. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about link between suicides and gambling addiction”

Bishop of Winchester questions Government about overcrowding on the railways

On the 29th of October Baroness Randerson asked an oral question in the House of  Lords about the steps the government were taking to modernise rail fares.  The Rt Revd Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, asked a supplementary question: 

18.03.20 Winchester 2

The Lord Bishop of Winchester: My Lords, the modernising of rail fares is one aspect of a range of changes needed in our rail service. The Transport Secretary has announced £1.3 billion of investment in spacious trains yet despite this there is still overcrowding, cancellation and delay. Staff operating train services are also unhappy and just last week, on the South Western Railway line that I use regularly, I am afraid that there were regular cancellations and further overcrowding. Can the Minister outline what action will be taken between now and the implementation of the rail review reforms in 2020 to address the urgent issues of rail cancellations, delays and significant overcrowding?

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Week in Westminster, 22nd-26th October 2018

This week in the House of Lords the Bishop of Bristol was introduced as a new Member, and bishops asked questions about the impact of Brexit on food security and the impact of citizenship fees on children’s welfare. The Bishop of St Albans joined Peers in calling for the reduction in betting machine stakes to be introduced without further delay. The Second Church Estates Commissioner, Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP, led a debate in the House of Commons on allowing asylum seekers the right to work. Continue reading “Week in Westminster, 22nd-26th October 2018”

Vote: Ivory Bill

On 24th October 2018 Peers voted on amendments to the Government’s Ivory Bill. Lord Cormack moved an amendment to the Bill, which was not passed but was supported in the voting lobbies by the Bishop of Chester. Continue reading “Vote: Ivory Bill”

Bishop of St Albans letter in Financial Times – Reduce £100 betting machine stake without further delay

The following letter appeared in the Financial Times on 24th October 2018:

We refer to your report “ Hammond plan to lift offshore gaming tax deals tough hand for casino groups” (October 22) and write to you as members of the House of Lords from the Christian Churches and other established religious traditions, to urge the government to implement the reduction of the £100 stake on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) without delay. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans letter in Financial Times – Reduce £100 betting machine stake without further delay”