Author: parliamentaryunit

Bishop of Durham asks Government about response to conflict in Burundi

On 22nd February 2016 the Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, received three written answers to questions about conflict and aid in Burundi.

Bp Durham June 2015 bThe Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have deployed, or intend to deploy, experts from the UK preventing sexual violence in conflict initiative team to help support local responses in Burundi to conflict related sexual violence. [HL5829]

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: We take the allegations of sexual violence in Burundi very seriously. The UK has been at the forefront of supporting the UN’s efforts to encourage an end to violence and human rights abuses in the country. Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks Government about response to conflict in Burundi”

Bishop of Worcester warns of risk of counterproductive responses to freedom of speech concerns at universities

On 22nd February 2016 Baroness Deech asked Her Majesty’s Government “what steps they are taking to ensure freedom of lawful speech at universities, in the light of recent disruptions to speeches.” She made reference in her follow up question to “incidents of intolerance and violence” on campuses, including “the silencing of a female Muslim reformer at Goldsmiths; smashed glass, fire alarms set off and the police called at King’s College London to stop an Israeli peace activist from speaking; Peter Tatchell at Canterbury and other examples”. She asked the Minister to speak to vice-chancellors “to ensure that the law on freedom of speech is upheld”. The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Revd John Inge, asked a follow up question:

worcesterThe Lord Bishop of Worcester: My Lords, now is not the time for confessions but I would observe that as an undergraduate, I saw things in very black and white terms. I do not now, despite what might be suggested by my attire. I would have loved to have been rebuked by Parliament as an undergraduate. Does the Minister agree that in intervening in situations such as these, we run the risk of being counterproductive? Continue reading “Bishop of Worcester warns of risk of counterproductive responses to freedom of speech concerns at universities”

Church of England Week in Westminster, 8th-12th February 2016

Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.

cropped-palace_of_westminster_london_-_feb_2007.jpgThis week bishops in the House of Lords spoke to amendments on the Government’s Immigration Bill and Trade Union Bill and in debates on the Welfare Reform and Work Bill and Armed Forces Bill. Bishops also spoke  and in debates on education and renewable energy. Bishops also asked questions on unaccompanied child refugees, housing regeneration, building on floodplains, PSHE, refugees in Burundi, the internet in public libraries and school milk. Continue reading “Church of England Week in Westminster, 8th-12th February 2016”

Armed Forces Bill: Bishop of Portsmouth highlights support for service families and work of military chaplains

On the 11 February 2016 the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, spoke during the second reading debate on the Government’s Armed Forces Bill. He highlighted the work of the Church of England to support the military covenant, the need to support service families and the significant work of military chaplains.

BishPortsspeechtaxcreditsThe Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, by happy coincidence, this debate takes place almost exactly on the anniversary of the signing of the Armed Forces corporate covenant by the right reverend Primates the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. There has been excellent work with the Minister in developing the impact of that covenant, and it is a pleasure to mark that anniversary today and anticipate the maiden speeches this afternoon.

This Bill properly clarifies the obligations and responsibilities of those serving in the Armed Forces and strengthens provision for maintaining good order and handling any instances of indiscipline with proper regard for justice. These provisions and the contributions that we have heard already remind us, although they are often technical, that individuals in our Armed Forces serve, and occasionally offend, in situations of stress and danger.The House will not be surprised therefore if I briefly draw attention to the importance—and I hope the Minister in summing up can confirm this—that we should all give to the areas of pastoral and family support for those who volunteer to serve us and the nation in this way in the Armed Forces, even when their behaviour falls below highest standards. Continue reading “Armed Forces Bill: Bishop of Portsmouth highlights support for service families and work of military chaplains”

Bishop of St Albans asks Government about the future of internet access in libraries

On the 11th February 2016 Lord Greaves asked the Government  “what assessment they have made of the impact of the Local Government Finance Settlement on the provision of libraries”. The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, asked a follow up question.

Bishop of St AlbansThe Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, the Minister has twice mentioned the changing nature of libraries. Of course, they are not just about books. Nowadays, they are a major and vital source for internet access, especially in poorer areas, where people need them to apply for jobs and where fewer households have broadband. Especially in rural areas where broadband coverage is much lower, they are a vital part of rural sustainability. The Government are rolling out broadband very quickly, and that is encouraging, but it does need time. What support are they giving to those vital online centres, many of which are closely related to libraries or in libraries, both for the sake of heritage but also for the sake of our economy?

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government about the future of internet access in libraries”

Bishop of Durham asks about plans to protect refugees from Burundi from radicalisation

14.06.10 Bishop of Durham 5On 11th February 2016 the Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, recieved a written answer to a question on Burundian refugees.

The Lord Bishop of Durham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that those refugees from Burundi now living in camps in neighbouring countries do not become politicised and radicalised. [HL5831] Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks about plans to protect refugees from Burundi from radicalisation”

Bishop of Chester recalls ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ of compulsory school milk

14.03 Bishop of ChesterOn the 10th February 2016 Lord Storey asked the Government “whether they plan to legislate to ensure that food and drink provided in all types of schools follow Food Standards Agency food and nutritional guidelines”. The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Peter Forster, asked a follow up question.

The Lord Bishop of Chester: My Lords, if free milk is to be made available again in schools, with the Minister confirm that it would not be compulsory? For some of us it contains memories of a cruel and unusual punishment.

Continue reading “Bishop of Chester recalls ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ of compulsory school milk”

Bishop of Chester asks Government about parental engagement with PSHE

On the 10th February 2016 Baroness Massey of Darwen asked the Government “what steps they propose to take to make Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education compulsory within the curriculum”. The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Peter Forster, asked a follow up question.

14.03 Bishop of ChesterThe Lord Bishop of Chester: My Lords, although I agree with all that the Minister has said in response to the questions, is it not the case that engaging parents—making sure that what is taught in schools relates to and engages parents as much as possible—is also important to any government action which may be forthcoming in the future? Continue reading “Bishop of Chester asks Government about parental engagement with PSHE”

Bishop of St Albans asks Government about housebuilding in flood areas

StAlbans171115On the 10th February 2016 the Bishop of St Albans received two written answers about housing and flooding.

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many new housing developments were built in the period 2010 to 2015 against advice given by the Environment Agency. [HL5516] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government about housebuilding in flood areas”

Welfare Reform Bill – Bishop of Portsmouth thanks Government for amendments

On 9th February 2016 the House of Lords passed the Government’s Welfare Reform and Work Bill at Third Reading. The Bishop of Portsmouth, Rt Revd Christopher Foster, spoke briefly to thank the Minister for the amendments agreed by Government.

The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, without wanting to detain the House, I add on behalf of this Bench our thanks to the Minister and offer our support and gratitude for the amendments he has brought forward today. The concerns that have been expressed around the House on many occasions for those who are most vulnerable in society have been passionate and heartfelt. It is good and reassuring when they are heard, and we offer our thanks as well.

(via Parliament.uk)