On 25th April 2018 the House of Lords considered amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill at its Report Stage. A vote took place on an amendment to the Bill, on ‘Henry VIII’ powers of Government, in which three bishops took part: Continue reading “Votes: EU (Withdrawal) Bill”
Dame Caroline Spelman MP hosts debate about Internally Displaced People
On the 25th April the Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP hosted a debate in Westminster Hall to highlight the plight of Internally Displaced People. The Minister of State for the Department for International Development, the Rt Hon Alistair Burt MP responded to the debate on behalf of the Government. The full debate can be read using the link below.
Continue reading “Dame Caroline Spelman MP hosts debate about Internally Displaced People”
Bishop of Norwich asks question on Gaza
On 24th April Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty’s Government “what proposals they have for processes by which Israel might be held accountable for its treatment of the inhabitants of Gaza.” The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, asked a supplementary question:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, can the Minister say whether the Government support the UN Secretary-General’s call for an independent investigation into the recent bloodshed in Gaza? Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich asks question on Gaza”
Bishop of Durham asks about implementing a national refugee integration strategy
On 18th April the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler, received written answers to two questions on refugees:
The Bishop of Durham: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they have taken in response to the recommendations of the report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, Refugees Welcome. Continue reading “Bishop of Durham asks about implementing a national refugee integration strategy”
Votes: EU (Withdrawal) Bill
On 23rd April 2018 the House of Lords considered amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill at its Report Stage. Two votes took place on amendments to the Bill, in which bishops took part: Continue reading “Votes: EU (Withdrawal) Bill”
Bishop of Norwich: widening educational opportunities is key to improving social mobility
On 23rd April Lord Lennie asked Her Majesty’s Government “what progress they have made on the appointment of the new Chair and members of the Social Mobility Commission.” The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, asked a supplementary question:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, greater social mobility was one of the drivers of the original academies programme set up by the last Labour Government, which was why some of us supported it so strongly. Does the Minister believe that that still holds true for academies now and that widening educational opportunities for the disadvantaged is the key factor in promoting social mobility?
Week in Westminster, 16th – 20th April 2018
This week in the House of Lords bishops spoke in debates on national security in relation to Syria and Russia, and on lifelong learning. They responded to Government statements on the treatment by immigration authorities of the Windrush generation, and military action in Syria, and asked a question about Government plans to promote freedom of religion and belief. Bishops voted on amendments to the Government’s EU (Withdrawal) Bill and Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Bill. Continue reading “Week in Westminster, 16th – 20th April 2018”
Bishop of Coventry urges more effort on diplomatic solution to conflict in Syria
On 19th April 2018 the House of Lords debated a Government motion “that this House takes note of the national security situation.” The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, took part in the debate:
The Lord Bishop of Coventry: My Lords, I, too, am grateful to the Minister for bringing this debate forward at this pivotal time in our national security and foreign policy. It is a great honour to follow the noble Lord, Lord Owen, and other distinguished speakers with their panoramic perspectives. Given the timing of the debate, I shall offer some reflections on the Syrian situation, both the danger it represents for national security and the role it might play in recasting relations with Russia, even in the stressful times described so clearly by the noble and gallant Lord, Lord Stirrup. Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry urges more effort on diplomatic solution to conflict in Syria”
Votes: EU (Withdrawal) Bill
On 18th April 2018 the House of Lords considered amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill at its Report Stage. Two votes took place on amendments to the Bill, both of which saw bishops take part: Continue reading “Votes: EU (Withdrawal) Bill”
Bishop of Coventry asks Government about plans for promoting freedom of religion and belief
On 18th April 2018 Lord Suri asked Her Majesty’s Government “what director level staffing changes, if any, they intend to make in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to provide greater capacity for that department to co-ordinate, oversee and deliver policy to advance freedom of religion and belief.” The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, asked a follow-up question:
The Lord Bishop of Coventry: My Lords, following on from that question, the Minister will be aware of the gathering at Lambeth Palace at the moment convened by my most reverend friend the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is bringing together parliamentarians and religious leaders from across the Commonwealth to help them work on good local practice. Would not the sort of director-level appointment mentioned in the Question to increase capacity help Her Majesty’s Government to partner with such initiatives to take them on to the next stage and provide co-ordination across the Commonwealth? Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry asks Government about plans for promoting freedom of religion and belief”
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