Category: Questions

Oral & written questions in the Lords and Commons

Bishop of Oxford asks about targeted support for poorest community members

The Bishop of Oxford asked a question during a debate on inflation on 23rd May 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Oxford: My Lords, I have seen at first hand from touring every part of the three counties in the Diocese of Oxford the rise in the take-up of food banks in recent weeks. I pay tribute to all those who work and volunteer in them. I have heard heartbreaking stories of those who need to use them. The Government’s response to the Covid pandemic was remarkable in its creativity and urgency, helping the poorest. Will we see now a windfall tax? Will we see more targeted support for the poorest in the communities as an urgent matter?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about UNESCO access in Azerbaijan

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 23rd May 2022:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to UNESCO and the government of Azerbaijan to allow a UNESCO mission unimpeded access to document Armenian and Azerbaijan heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh as part of a reconciliation measures.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about Indian ban on cereal exports

On 19th May 2022, the Bishop of St Albans asked a question concerning a ban placed on cereal exports by India:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the decision by the government of India to ban the export of cereals from that country on inflation and the cost of living in the United Kingdom.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about food prices

On 19th May 2022, the Bishop of St Albans asked a question during a debate on inflation and food prices:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his replies on this important area, but is he concerned, as a number of people are, that some farmland is now being taken out of production because it is being bought by companies for carbon offset? Indeed, one of the issues about some of the rewilding is that, sometimes, good farmland, which could help us, is now not available. What are Her Majesty’s Government doing to increase our food production, both for our own security but also so we can export to help those other countries that are facing huge hikes in prices?

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Bishop of London asks about Levelling Up report

On 19th May 2022, the Bishop of London asked a question on the government’s Levelling Up report:

The Lord Bishop of London asked Her Majesty’s Government what metrics will inform their annual Levelling Up report.

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Bishop of Durham asks about the cost of living

on 17th May 2022, the Bishop of Durham asked a question during a debate on the rising cost of living:

The Lord Bishop of Durham: How much time have Treasury Ministers and DWP Ministers spent sitting, listening and talking with people who are struggling either to eat or heat? It is first-hand evidence that really matters; do not get it just from reports.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about gambling

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answers on 17th May 2022:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for introducing a mandatory levy on gambling firms to help fund an expansion of treatment and support services for those experiencing gambling related harm.

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Bishop of London asks about the location of the House of Lords

The Bishop of London asked a question on the Restoration and Renewal Programme (concerning the location of the House of Lords) on 16th May 2022:

The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, can the Minister reassure both this House and the public that a full cost-benefit analysis is being undertaken to ensure the good and proper use of public funds?

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about Ukrainian refugees

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question in a debate about refugee displacement on 28th April 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: As we heard the Minister say, the UN estimates that more than 11 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes since 24 February, more than 5 million have fled the country and approximately two-thirds of the country’s children are now displaced. We would do well to remember that these are not just numbers; each of them represents a human life. The outpouring of concern from the British public and willingness to host refugees in their homes has been a powerful statement of love amid this extraordinary tragedy. Indeed, many across the diocese of Chelmsford, which I serve, and across the country, have gone to great lengths to welcome refugees with open arms. Can the Minister expand on what is being done to address concerns raised about delays and complications in processing asylum applications through the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

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Church Commissioner Questions: parishes, freedom of religion, housing, Channel crossings, marriage, new clergy, arts and culture

On 28th April 2022 MPs asked Andrew Selous MP, representing the Church Commissioners, about parish ministry, freedom of religion & belief, affordable and sustainable housing, illegal migrant crossings in the Channel, families parenting and marriage, candidates entering Holy Orders, and supporting arts and culture. A transcript is below.

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