Bishop of Durham speaks on amendments to Schools Bill

On 8th June 2022, the House of Lords debated the Government’s Schools Bill (HL) in its first day in committee. The Bishop of Durham spoke in the debate, on amendments to the first clause:

The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, I have to declare my interest as chair of the National Society, which oversees Church of England schools, although obviously they are all devolved around each diocesan board. I also apologise that I cannot be here for days two and three in Committee. I have a long-standing family holiday booked, and my marriage and parenthood are more important. I assure noble Lords that things will be covered by other Members on these Benches.

I have been told clearly by Members of this House that I should be very concerned about Clause 1, and indeed Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and so on. Because of the nature of the people who have expressed those concerns, I listened very carefully. However, in principle I am persuaded that the move towards full academisation warrants the Secretary of State being given some additional powers. I disagree with a large number here: I think the direction of travel is abundantly clear. It is full academisation. If that is the direction of travel, we need to ensure that system is appropriately covered.

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Bishop of Chichester asks about support for domestic abuse victims

The Bishop of Chichester asked a question during a debate on support services for victims of domestic abuse on 8th June 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Chichester: My Lords, we know that domestic abuse can be experienced across the gender divide and in every part of society, and that includes clergy households. Can the Minister say what steps Her Majesty’s Government are taking to address the needs of those who suffer domestic abuse and who, like clergy, live in accommodation tied to their post, thus making their future material well-being more perilous if and when they leave the family home?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about oil and gas imports

The Bishop of St Albans asked a question during a debate on North Sea Oil and Gas Producers: Investment Allowances, on 7th June 2022:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, will the Government, first, reveal the calculations they have made on why we are giving these subsidies, rather than putting the money into renewables? This has come at a time when we have seen massive increases in gas imports. Indeed, if we had done this some years ago, and been able to move and shift much more quickly, we would not be in half the mess we are in now. What is the basis on which the Government are deciding to subsidise the oil, rather than putting this extra financial incentive into renewables?

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Bishop of St Albans introduces the Coroners (Determination of Suicide) Bill

On 7th June 2022, The Bishop of St Albans introduced his Coroners (Determination of Suicide) Bill on its first reading:

‘A Bill to require the coroner, following an inquest, to record an opinion as to the relevant factors in a case of death by suicide; and for connected purposes.‘

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, in moving the Bill, I declare my interest in the register as a vice-president of Peers for Gambling Reform.

Hansard

The Bill was introduced by the Lord Bishop of St Albans, read a first time and ordered to be printed.

Bishop of Chichester asks about support for Ukrainians residing in the UK

On 7th June 2022, The Bishop of Chichester asked a question on the support available for Ukrainian students and other temporary UK residents in light of the war in Ukraine:

The Lord Bishop of Chichester: My Lords, what assessment have the Government made of the number of Ukrainians currently here on economic or student visas who may soon be at risk of overstaying their visa and may be unable to return home, and of the sort of support that they might require and be given?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about Humanitarian Aid in East Africa

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answers on 6th June 2022:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to provide humanitarian aid to East Africa following reports of impending famine conditions in the region.

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Bishop of Leeds asks about killings of church worshippers in Nigeria

On 6th June 2022, the Bishop of Leeds asked a question on the recent killing of church worshippers in Nigeria:

The Lord Bishop of Leeds: My Lords, do the Government recognise that religious leaders do not always get recognised by some of these ideologically driven so-called religious groupings and organisations? So the condemnation by religious leaders, though important, has no impact on these ideologues. Do the Government have any approach, particularly at the ministerial conference coming up next month, to address this reality and discrepancy?

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Bishop of Durham asks about child poverty strategy

On 6th June 2022 the Bishop of Durham asked a question and a follow-up to Government, about its child poverty strategy:

The Lord Bishop of Durham asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the review by the Church of England Making the case for a child poverty strategy, published on 28 April; and what plans they have, if any, to introduce a child poverty strategy.

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Bishop of Chichester asks about access to electric vehicles in rural areas

The Bishop of Chichester asked a question on 6th June 2022, during a debate on supporting access to electric vehicles:

The Lord Bishop of Chichester: My Lords, can the Minister indicate whether the Government will pay particular attention to promoting access to electric vehicles in rural areas, which are already disadvantaged by a lack of adequate public transport?

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Bishop of Gloucester asks about support for migrants who are victims of domestic abuse

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 6th June 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish their evaluation of the Support for Migrant Victims pilot scheme.

Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con): Tackling domestic abuse and ensuring victims receive the support they need, is a priority for this Government. Furthermore, anyone who has suffered domestic abuse must be treated as a victim first and foremost, regardless of immigration status.

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