Bishop of Norwich asks about impact of tax policy on rural communities

The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on the impact of changes to inheritance tax and future policy changes on rural communities during a discussion on the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive on 11th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: I keep hearing from farmers, particularly from small farms, about the impact of the fiasco of the changes in inheritance tax. Would the Minister give some reassurance that future policy changes will truly be rural-proofed? I declare an interest as this year’s president of the Royal Norfolk Show.

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Votes: Victims and Courts Bill

On 10th March 2026, the House of Lords debated the Victims and Courts Bill. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which a Bishop took part:

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Bishop of Norwich asks about special educational needs

The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on whether dyscalculia would be included in the work of inclusion hubs on 10th March 2026, during a discussion on special educational needs:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for the answers she has given, but I will probe a bit further in two areas. Will dyscalculia be included in the core work of the inclusion hubs that are suggested as a requirement for all secondary schools in the schools White Paper? To what extent will the newly announced “experts at hand” funding specifically be used to address support for children with this condition?

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Crime and Policing Bill: Bishop of Norwich supports amendment on protecting war memorials

During a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on 9th March 2026, the Bishop of Norwich spoke in support of an amendment aimed at broadening the protections provided to war memorials under the provisions of the bill:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I support Amendment 370 in the names of the noble Lords, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay and Lord Blencathra. Across this nation, war memorials, often raised by public subscription of pennies here and tuppences there, stand to hold memories of those who gave their lives—sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, cousins and parents. They are carved in stone, metal, wood or marble. The Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in Bedfordshire is a living memorial planted by Edmond Blyth, a World War I veteran, to commemorate his friends who were lost. They are physical embodiments of sacrifice, courage and collective memory, often within the curtilage of parish churches, each name both precious to someone and precious in the sight of God—ordinary people called to do the most extraordinary things in very challenging times. When they are damaged, it is a hit in the stomach for the whole of that community. It damages how we build our life together.

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Votes: Crime and Policing Bill

On 9th March 2026, the House of Lords debated the Crime and Policing Bill. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which a Bishop took part:

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Bishop of Norwich asks about involving faith communities in adult social care

The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on faith group, community, and voluntary sector involvement during a discussion on the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care on 9th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, in 2023, the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care encouraged a conversation not only between provider and recipient but with all those involved in care and support, to create rounded and fulfilled lives. That includes the voluntary sector, community groups and faith groups, which provide befriending and bereavement support and acts of worship in care homes. What plans does the Casey commission have to ensure that all parties participate in the national conversation mandated in its terms of reference?

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Bishop of Norwich asks about UK contribution towards COP goals

The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 9th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government how they intend to support the COP29 Collective Quantified Goal of at least $300 billion per year from the developed world by 2035.

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Bishop of Southwark asks about funding of the BBC World Service

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 9th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked His Majesty’s Government what plans they have for the funding of the BBC World Service from 1 April 2026.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab, FCDO): Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years for the BBC World Service will be decided through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office allocations process, and announced in advance of the 2026/27 financial year.

Hansard

Bishop of Derby asks about youth justice and sports provision

The Bishop of Derby received the following written answers on 9th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Derby asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and Physical Activity in the Criminal Justice System’s report Physical Activity and Sport across the Children and Young People Secure Estate, and Adult Custodial Estate in England and Wales, published in December 2025.

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Bishop of Derby speaks in debate taking note of International Women’s Day

The Bishop of Derby spoke during a debate taking note of International Women’s Day on 6th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, it is an honour to speak today, and I particularly look forward to hearing so many maiden speeches. I have been reflecting on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Give to gain”. A seat in your Lordships’ House is a powerful platform, but whatever voice or influence we may have, it is not for ourselves; it is to be used to secure gains for others.

Noble Lords will be aware that these Benches have made some progress in recent years toward gender parity. There are currently eight women on our Benches, soon to be nine—the highest number to date—and two former Lords spiritual. As the Church of England’s first female Bishop, I know that opening a door is both a powerful and a humbling act, particularly as we rejoice in the appointment and forthcoming installation of my noble friend, the most reverend Primate, our first female Archbishop of Canterbury.

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