Category: Questions

Oral & written questions in the Lords and Commons

Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham asks about arts education

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham received the following written answer on 5th January 2025:

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of arts-based courses at universities and colleges on the culture and economy of towns and cities.

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham asks about arts education”

Bishop of Derby asks about preventing exploitation of children

The Bishop of Derby received the following written answer on 5th January 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Derby asked His Majesty’s Government whether they plan to issue statutory guidance to all statutory safeguarding partners, including police, local authorities and integrated care boards, for the criminal exploitation of children measures in the Crime and Policing Bill should the Bill receive Royal Assent; and if not, why not, and what steps they will take to clarify roles and responsibilities and embed best practice in safeguarding children from exploitation in that absence of that statutory guidance.

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks about preventing exploitation of children”

Bishop of Southwark asks about religious freedom in Armenia

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 5th January 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked His Majesty’s Government, following the arrest of an archbishop in Armenia on 4 December, what assessment they have made of religious freedom in that country, and what discussions they have had with the government of Armenia about that issue.

Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about religious freedom in Armenia”

Bishop of Lincoln asks about equality in education

On 5th January 2026, the Bishop of Lincoln received the following written answers:

The Lord Bishop of Lincoln asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what guidance they have issued to the Regional Department for Education Directors about the implementation of the Equality Act 2010 in academies.
  • what processes the Regional Department for Education Directors has in place to monitor the implementation of the Equality Act 2010 by academies.
  • what guidance they have issued to the Regional Department for Education Directors about the implementation of the Equality Act 2010 in schools in the maintained system.
  • what processes the Regional Department for Education Directors has in place to monitor the implementation of the Equality Act 2010 by schools in the maintained system.
Continue reading “Bishop of Lincoln asks about equality in education”

Bishop of Gloucester asks about UK response to Israeli settlements

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 5th January 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what assessment they have made of the impact of the construction of the Shdema settlement near Bethlehem on Palestinian livelihoods and the prospects for a two-state solution.
  • what discussions they have had with the government of Israel regarding the construction of the Shdema settlement near Bethlehem.
  • what plans they have to introduce asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities directly involved in planning or implementing the construction of the Shdema settlement near Bethlehem.
Continue reading “Bishop of Gloucester asks about UK response to Israeli settlements”

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

On 18th December 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha de Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Mr Wil Forster MP (LD, Woking): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the end of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on (a) Christ Church in Woking and (b) other community services run by Churches.

Continue reading “Church Commissioners Written Questions: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme”

Bishop of Derby asks about women and girls in the tech field

The Bishop of Derby asked a question on ensuring pathways for women and girls to pursue careers in the tech field on 18th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I warmly welcome the recent launch of the Women in Tech Taskforce and commend this Government on recognising the important contribution that women and girls make to the technology sector in particular. What steps are being taken to ensure that the TechYouth programme, part of the wider TechFirst programme, opens pathways to support and encourages young women and girls in further education and vocational training who are interested in pursuing apprenticeships and careers in this field?

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks about women and girls in the tech field”

Bishop of Derby asks about role of faith based philanthropy in social impact

The Bishop of Derby asked a question on engagement with faith-based charities and social organisations during a discussion on the new Office for the Impact Economy on 17th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I am pleased to endorse the Government’s intentional investment in social impact, but may I ask the Minister how the new Office for the Impact Economy plans specifically to engage with faith-based organisations and faith-motivated individuals, including—but not exclusively—from the Christian community, to optimise the reach for common good of such faith-driven philanthropy?

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks about role of faith based philanthropy in social impact”

Church Commissioners Written Questions: LGBTQ+ Clergy

On 17th December 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

Clergy: LGBTQ+ People

Cat Smith MP (Lab, Lancaster and Wyre): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support (a) LGBTQ+ clergy and (b) people considering entering ministry.

Continue reading “Church Commissioners Written Questions: LGBTQ+ Clergy”

Bishop of Derby asks about preventing drug and alcohol addiction in young people

The Bishop of Derby asked a question on early intervention for young people towards preventing alcoholism and drug addiction, and funding for local councils to deliver this intervention on 16th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I welcome the continued investment of £185 million allocated to the rough sleeping drug and alcohol treatment programme from 2026 to 2029. But what progress has been made towards this Government’s safer streets and opportunity missions to improve support and early intervention, particularly for children and young people who are struggling with the dual crises of substance abuse and experiencing homelessness? Is this work one of the factors being used to determine which additional councils will receive this new funding?

Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks about preventing drug and alcohol addiction in young people”