Questions – Page 26 – The Church of England in Parliament

Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of future benefit cuts on the vulnerable and disabled

The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the restoration of winter fuel payments to the elderly on 10th June 2025, asking the government to confirm they would not introduce further cuts impacting vulnerable or disabled people:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I welcome the reversal of the decision on winter fuel payments, having spoken, like others, cautioning against so many pensioners who are vulnerable and in need being deprived of it—not against the principle of changing it and restricting it to some degree. I just wonder whether, in terms of lessons learned, a more general principle might be acknowledged that in future cuts, the Government will not look to making them from vulnerable or disabled people.

Bishop of Gloucester asks about International Court of Justice Opinion on Israeli activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 10th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government whether they will publish a response to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legal Consequences Arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and when.

Bishop of Southwark asks about recent attack on Anglican Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza and urges government to consider recognition of state of Palestine

On 9th June 2025, the Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the recent Israeli forces attack on the Anglican Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza, and raised the need for the UK government to recognise the state of Palestine:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister and to His Majesty’s Government for the Statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. May I press the Minister on two things? The first is the attack by Israeli forces on the compound of the Anglican al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, killing five, including three journalists and a father escorting his son to the surgical unit for treatment for prior injuries. This is the latest in a number of attacks by the IDF on church hospitals and churches, in defiance of international law. Will the Minister accept that specific actions are now required, since reasoned pleas have been ignored?

Secondly, in light of what the Minister has said about the UN conference from 17 to 20 June and the conducive time to recognise Palestine, will he confirm that a bold and clear statement will be made at that conference of the Government’s firm intention to recognise the state of Palestine?

Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of national insurance changes on SEND provision

The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the impact of changes to employer national insurance on SEND support and provision on 9th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: The Minister will recall from the amendment I tabled in Committee to what was then the Bill that my twin brother was an early beneficiary of SEND transport. Will the Government monitor the impact of national insurance increases on the effectiveness and continuity of provision in this area and inform the House of such findings in due course?

Bishop of St Albans asks about impact of light pollution on people and wildlife

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 6th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what recent assessment they have made of the impact of light pollution on wildlife and people.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Overseas Trade (Israel and Occupied Territories), Churches (Heating)

On 6th June 2025, Marsha De Cordova MP, on behalf of the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories

Kevin Hollinrake MP (Con, Thirsk and Malton): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52266 on Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories, which companies that trade with (a) Israel and (b) the Occupied Territories are excluded following a controversy screen and assessment of the human rights risks.

Bishop of St Albans asks about possibility of a tax on ultra-processed foods

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 6th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to introducing a tax on ultra-processed foods.

Bishop of Bristol asks about changes to visa requirements in the UK

The Bishop of Bristol received the following written answer on 6th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Bristol asked His Majesty’s Government whether the changes to the qualification period for indefinite leave to remain apply to people who are already living and working in the United Kingdom or whether the changes will apply to new visa applicants only.

Bishop of St Albans asks about impact of forest fires worldwide

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 6th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of reports that destruction of the world’s forests reached the highest level ever recorded in 2024, primarily due to a surge in fires.

Bishop of Southwark asks about humanitarian aid to Gaza

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 5th June 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel concerning its responsibilities under international humanitarian law for access to food, water and medical supplies by the population of Gaza.

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