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.
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Bishop of Derby takes part in end of year tributes

The Bishop of Derby joined in end of year tributes to the staff of the House of Lords and those who have retired in 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I shall not detain the House long, but on behalf of these Benches I echo the appreciative comments that we have just heard from the Front Benches about all those who have retired, or are about to retire, as colleagues, working alongside us here. It is a real privilege to have the final opportunity on behalf of us all in your Lordships’ House to thank those who work with us, both front of house and behind the scenes, for their outstanding care and service in keeping this House and our work here running smoothly.

As we near the end of this year’s journey through Advent and approach Christmas, I know that all Members will join me in wishing not just each other but all our colleagues here a restorative recess. I pray that they may know the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the perseverance of the wise men, the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and the peace of the Christ child this Christmas. Happy Christmas, and a good New Year when it comes.

Hansard

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.

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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?

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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?

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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.

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Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill: Bishop of Norwich supports amendments on ocean pollution

The Bishop of Norwich spoke in support of amendments to the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill aimed at responding to risks of plastic pollution in oceans and protection of deep seabed environments on 16th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I support Amendments 6, 8 and 10. I pay tribute to the Minister for the commitment that she is giving to the Bill. It is absolutely right that we align ourselves with the treaty and are able to be participants at the first Conference of the Parties. I thank her for the thoroughness with which she is going through it.

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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?

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Bishop of Norwich asks about extension of oil and gas extraction in the North Sea

The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 16th December 2025:

The Bishop of Norwich: To ask His Majesty’s Government how the proposed extension of existing gas and oil drilling in the North Sea aligns with calls arising from the Global Stocktake to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee.

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Crime and Policing Bill: Bishop of Manchester raises point on safeguarding in private tutoring

The Bishop of Manchester raised a point on the inclusion of private music tuition under safeguarding regulations during a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on 15th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, one area that is of great concern to me is private music tuition. I have had some pretty horrendous safeguarding cases to deal with in churches, where a church musician who has committed some serious offences has gone on to privately tutor underage pupils. That particular form of tuition—which is very often done privately, arranged by parents who see an advertisement on the internet or in a newspaper—needs to be included.

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