Category: Questions

Oral & written questions in the Lords and Commons

Bishop of Chelmsford asks about routes to the UK for persecuted Christians in Iran

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question on whether the government would consider providing a safe route scheme for those persecuted on account of their faith in Iran on 23rd May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: My Lords, in a recently published joint annual report by Article 18 and other Christian organisations, the IRGC’s increasing involvement in the crackdown against peaceful Christian activities in Iran was highlighted for the second year in a row. Other religious minorities and peaceful protesters also report violent treatment during arrest and detention, as well as the interference of the IRGC’s intelligence branch in court proceedings to ensure harsher sentences against those who are accused. I absolutely agree with the noble Lords who are pressing for proscription, but given all of this, does the Minister agree that we can and should do more, beyond proscription of the IRGC? Will the Government consider offering a safe route scheme for those from Iran who have suffered persecution in the form of arrest and imprisonment on account of their faith?

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Bishop of Southwark asks about use of facial recognition by the Israeli military

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 23rd May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by Amnesty International published on 2 May into the use of the Israeli military facial recognition system, Red Wolf, in mass surveillance and whether they support the call by Amnesty International for an end to mass and targeted surveillance in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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Bishop of Durham asks about the proposed Illegal Migration Bill

The Bishop of Durham received the following written answers on 23rd May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Durham asked His Majesty’s Government whether there have been any changes to asylum screening interviews since 7 March.

Lord Murray of Blidworth (Con, Home Office): There have been no changes to the asylum screening interview template since 7 March.

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about land tenure

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question on the use of land tenure and the needs of tenants, during a discussion on the establishment of a Land Commission to aid landowners and managers in decision-making on 22nd May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his responses so far. Can he clarify whether the Government will encourage Defra to give regard to land tenure and, in particular, to ensuring that the tenanted sector is considered within the land use framework?

Lord Benyon (Con, DEFRA): The right reverend Prelate raises a crucial point. We talk about farmers and land managers, but those descriptions are too simple and generic, because we have owner-occupiers, registered tenants under the 1986 Act, graziers and farm business tenancies; it is an incredibly complex system of tenure. We are considering the Rock report and will respond to it.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about numbers of whistleblowing cases

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 19th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government how many cases of whistleblowing were reported and investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority in (1) 2022, (2) 2021, (3) 2020, and (4) 2019.

Baroness Penn (Con, Treasury Department): The FCA has reported and investigated the following number of whistleblowing cases for each year given:

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Bishop of Gloucester asks about extended funding for holiday activity and food programme for children

The Bishop of Gloucester asked about funding for extending the holiday activity and food programme for children during a debate on links between poor health and economic inactivity on 18th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: My Lords, we know that food insecurity is associated with poor health outcomes. Professor Greta Defeyter found that, for every £1 invested in the holiday activity and food programme, there is a wider economic benefit of £11. Can the Minister confirm whether funding is available to extend that programme beyond next year?

Lord Evans of Rainow (Con): I apologise to the right reverend Prelate, but I am afraid I do not have that information to hand, so I will write to her with an answer.

Hansard

Bishop of Gloucester asks about threat of homelessness for those leaving prison

The Bishop of Gloucester asked a question on ensuring homes for those released from prison during a debate on the repeal of the 1824 Vagrancy Act on 17th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: My Lords, I thank the Minister for those statistics and for his assurance of an eventual commitment to no one being criminalised simply for having nowhere to live. Is he aware of the Ministry of Justice data which shows that people released from prison to homelessness are over 50% more likely to offend within a year? What more is being done to ensure that prison leavers have a home on release?

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Bishop of Leeds asks about support for countries hosting Sudanese refugees

The Bishop of Leeds received the following written answer on 17th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Leeds asked His Majesty’s Government what financial assistance and logistical support they are providing and intend to provide to countries that have accepted Sudanese refugees, such as Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

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Bishop of Derby asks about numbers of children remanded in custody

The Bishop of Derby received the following written answer on 17th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Leeds asked His Majesty’s Government how many children are being held on remand in the most recent period for which data is available; and whether they are taking steps to reduce this.

Lord Bellamy (Con, Ministry of Justice): As at 31 March 2023, there were 244 children and young people remanded to custody in the Youth Secure Estate (this figure includes 18-year-olds). Remanding a child to custody must always be a last resort, however that option must remain open to the courts where it is necessary to protect the public.

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Bishop of Durham asks about impact of Illegal Migration Bill on children’s rights

The Bishop of Durham received the following written answer on 17th May 2023:

The Lord Bishop Durham asked His Majesty’s Government whether a Child Rights Impact Assessment has been carried out for the Illegal Migration Bill to assess the impact it will have on children; if so, what was the outcome of the assessment; and if it has not yet been completed, when it will take place.

Lord Murray of Blidworth (Con, Home Office): We will publish a child’s rights impact assessment in respect of the Illegal Migration Bill in due course.

Hansard