On 23rd and 25th February 2015, bishops took part in two divisions on the Government’s Modern Slavery Bill, relating to the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the protection of overseas domestic workers.
Divisions – Modern Slavery Bill
Author: parliamentaryunit
Bishop of Derby leads call for stronger powers for agencies tackling modern slavery
On 25th February 2015, the Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, tabled an amendment to the Government’s Modern Slavery Bill, during its Report Stage. The amendment sought to strengthen and improve the resources of enforcement agencies who may be required to deal with groups engaged in modern slavery and human trafficking. The amendment was withdrawn, following assurances from the Minister that the Government would bring forward its own proposals at Third Reading.
The Bishop also spoke in favour of a group of amendments to the Bill relating to the transparency of supply chains.
Amendment 92 – Enforcement Agencies
The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I thank my colleagues, the noble Lord, Lord Alton, and the noble Baroness, Lady Kennedy, for their support for this amendment. I also place on record my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Bates. With others, we have been extremely grateful for the patient and kind way he has listened to us, engaged with us and put on special meetings on various subjects. The point of this amendment is to highlight the fact that both the Government and many of us involved in this issue are learning a great deal as we go along. Therefore, there is a proper space for consultation, review and further learning to be done. Continue reading “Bishop of Derby leads call for stronger powers for agencies tackling modern slavery”
Bishop of St Albans speaks in debate on mental health services
On 25th February 2105, the Earl of Listowel led a short debate in the House of Lords, to ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to improve mental health services for infants, children and young people, for care leavers, and for adults with care experience. The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, spoke in the debate, focusing his remarks on the risk of suicide amongst young people suffering from mental health issues.
The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, the terrible reality of the effects of mental health could not have been more powerfully illustrated than by the story reported in the press last week of 18 year-old Edward Mallen. He was not one of “those unfortunates”—he had 12 A* GCSEs and was predicted to achieve three A* A-levels; he had got grade 8 piano and a place at Girton to read geography—but he rapidly descended, over quite a short time, into depression and died under a train. Not only is it an affront to think of that young life, with all its potential and opportunities, suddenly being lost with his death, but the scars will stay with all the members of his family for the rest of their lives. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans speaks in debate on mental health services”
Bishop of Carlisle supports amendment to protect domestic workers from slavery
On 25th February 2015, the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd James Newcome, spoke in support of an amendment to the Government’s Modern Slavery Bill. The Bishop co-sponsored the amendment which sought to provide additional protections for overseas domestic workers at risk of exploitation. The amendment was put to a division of the House and was subsequently accepted. More details on the vote can be found here.
The Lord Bishop of Carlisle: My Lords, several of the amendments to this important Bill have been introduced as filling a gap in the legislation. That is especially true of Amendment 90. As the noble Lord, Lord Hylton, and the noble Baroness, Lady Royall of Blaisdon, have said, it will assist all private and diplomatic domestic workers by providing a measure of protection and flexibility otherwise lacking in the Bill. It will also enable those who have been victims of modern slavery to remain in the United Kingdom for a limited period while seeking alternative employment. That is why I am glad to have my name attached to the amendment. Continue reading “Bishop of Carlisle supports amendment to protect domestic workers from slavery”
Bishop of Carlisle calls for broadband access in rural schools
On 25th February 2015, Lord Holmes of Richmond asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of broadband speeds, capacity and coverage in rural areas of the United Kingdom and in city technology hubs such as the Old Street roundabout. The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd James Newcome, asked a supplementary question:
The Lord Bishop of Carlisle: My Lords, many small rural schools, for instance in Cumbria, where I come from, struggle to access a high-quality broadband connection. That results in pupils missing out on educational opportunities through not having a good internet-based information supply. Can the Minister tell us what assessment the Government have made of this situation and how they intend to address it?
Lord Ashton of Hyde: My Lords, the right reverend Prelate makes a very good point. We are obviously concerned that schools have the benefit of superfast broadband, which is important if schools are to take advantage of the opportunities offered by learning technology. However, not every school is the same. Schools have the autonomy to buy a connection that meets their needs. Schools’ connectivity needs will vary depending on the size and type of school. The Government’s £780 million investment programme in broadband infrastructure will increase the broadband options available to schools, including to rural schools.
(via Parliament.uk)
Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 – speech by Bishop of Carlisle
On 24th February 2015 the House of Lords considered a Motion to Approve the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015, alongside a Motion from Lord Deben not to approve the Regulations but to set up a Joint Committee of Parliament to consider the issues in more detail.
The Bishop of Carlisle, Rt Rev James Newcome, spoke during the debate, setting out his own position and that of the Church of England on the question of Mitochondrial Donation (also known as ‘three parent babies’).
Earl Howe concluded the debate on behalf of the government. An extract from his remarks can also be found below.
Concluding the debate, Lord Deben put his amendment to a vote, which was defeated: Contents 48; Not-Contents 280. The Bishops of Carlisle, Ely, St Albans and Worcester voted in favour of the amendment by Lord Deben. The Bishop of Norwich voted against the amendment. The Bishop of Bristol abstained. Continue reading “Human Fertilisation and Embryology (Mitochondrial Donation) Regulations 2015 – speech by Bishop of Carlisle”
Bishop of Carlisle highlights concerns about victims of violence detained at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre
On 24th February 2015, Baroness Bakewell asked Her Majesty’s Government “what requirements were set in the contract for Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre recently reawarded to Serco regarding the dignity and privacy of women detained there”.
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd James Newcome, asked a supplementary question:
The Lord Bishop of Carlisle: My Lords, in view of the concerns expressed only last Friday by the Joint Committee on Human Rights about women and girls who claim to have been victims of violence and are detained at Yarl’s Wood under the fast-track process, can the Minister tell us whether the Government have any plans for a screening process for people in that position?
Bishop of Coventry – Religious Freedom in India (Written Answers)
On 23rd February 2015, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, received answers to three written questions on the subject of freedom of religion in India.
The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of freedom of religion or belief in India following the election of Prime Minister Modi. [HL4820]
The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations have they made to the government of India regarding the practice of forced, fraudulent or induced conversions of Christians and Muslims to Hinduism in India. [HL4821] Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry – Religious Freedom in India (Written Answers)”
Bishop of Southwark – Gaza (Written Answers)
On 23rd February 2015, the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, received answers to three written questions on the situation in Gaza.
The Lord Bishop of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the funding available to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in Gaza. [HL4862] Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark – Gaza (Written Answers)”
Church of England Week in Westminster, 9th – 13th February 2015
Welcome to the Church of England’s weekly round-up of activity in Parliament.
This week, bishops in the House of Lords led a debate on local welfare assistance for those in crisis and took part in debates on the Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill, the Deregulation Bill and the Recall of MPs Bill.
They also asked questions on criminal proceedings for vulnerable adults, local welfare assistance schemes, local enterprise partnerships, voter registration, press freedom in Egypt and vacant properties.
Bishops took part in divisions on the Recall of MPs Bill and the Deregulation Bill.
In the House of Commons, the Second Church Estates Commissioner answered a written question on chancel repair liability.
Continue reading “Church of England Week in Westminster, 9th – 13th February 2015”
The Church of England in Parliament 
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