Category: Questions

Oral & written questions in the Lords and Commons

Bishop of Chichester responds to government statement on spending review

The Bishop of Chichester asked a question on investment in children’s futures and the cost of living on 12th June 2025, following a government statement on the recent spending review:

The Lord Bishop of Chichester: My Lords, there are things to welcome in the spending review: I would point in particular to His Majesty’s Government’s steps to support the most vulnerable, tackle regional inequality, increase investment in schools, social housing and healthcare and maintain some level of support for the arts and culture, recognising their importance. More support for libraries, which act as community hubs, is welcome. I hope that the benefit of churches, which are also public buildings that contribute to community life, especially in rural areas, will also be recognised and that DCMS will do this by resolving the long-term uncertainty about the future of the listed places of worship grant scheme beyond 2026 and the capping of grants, effectively, by VAT liability.

Continue reading “Bishop of Chichester responds to government statement on spending review”

Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of benefit cuts on vulnerable groups

The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on benefit cuts impacting the vulnerable and disabled on 12th June 2025, following a government statement on the Winter Fuel Payment:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, like other Peers, I welcome this decision. The other day, I asked the Minister something to which he did not respond, and I wonder if I might ask it again. Is one of the lessons learned from this for the Government that, should they be making further cuts in spending, they might not look to vulnerable or disabled people.

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of benefit cuts on vulnerable groups”

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Human Trafficking & Slavery, Additional Curates Society – Finance, Church of England – Land

On 11th June 2025, Marsha De Cordova MP, representing the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Human Trafficking and Slavery

Jim Shannon MP (DUP, Strangford): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, if she will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the steps the Church is taking to help tackle (a) modern slavery and (b) human trafficking.

Continue reading “Church Commissioners Written Questions: Human Trafficking & Slavery, Additional Curates Society – Finance, Church of England – Land”

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.

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of future benefit cuts on the vulnerable and disabled”

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.

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

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?

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about recent attack on Anglican Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza and urges government to consider recognition of 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?

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about impact of national insurance changes on SEND provision”

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.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about impact of light pollution on people and wildlife”

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.

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

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.

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about possibility of a tax on ultra-processed foods”