Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham argues for further reflections on proposals relating to prenuptial agreements

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham spoke in a debate on reform of the law around prenuptial agreements on 27th February 2025, raising issues involved in these agreements and urging further reflection on the implications of changes to the law, as well as highlighting the value of the marriage covenant:

The Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Deech, for bringing the debate on this Motion and for raising such fundamentally important issues, which she set out so clearly. I also acknowledge with respect the considerable wisdom and insight of the noble Baroness, Lady Shackleton, on these matters.

It has been my personal privilege to prepare many couples for marriage over the years. It is a hopeful time, where couples seek to express unconditional love and trust, and commit to share all aspects of their life, both at the time and looking to the future, whatever it may hold. I believe it would be detrimental for all parties if prenuptial agreements were to become a normal part of preparing for marriage, whether religious or not—although I entirely acknowledge the arguments in favour of these agreements, particularly the clarity they provide in financial matters, especially where there are pre-existing children, and their role in reducing litigation upon divorce.

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Bishop of St Albans speaks in debate on British citizens held by Iranian regime

The Bishop of St Albans spoke in the Bishop of Chelmsford’s debate on British citizens currently being held by the Iranian regime, urging that the UK act to support those detained and stand up for human rights overseas:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, I thank my right reverend friend the Bishop of Chelmsford for tabling this debate and for the sensitive way in which she has introduced it. I add to hers my best wishes and prayers for the Foremans, their family and friends, and my thanks to the Minister and all those officials who are working so hard behind the scenes in the FCDO. I also extend my thanks to the ambassador in Tehran and to all those working at the embassy there. I am sure they are doing all they can to resolve this desperately sad situation.

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Bishop of Chelmsford leads debate on British citizens held by Iran

The Bishop of Chelmsford led a debate on government progress in reducing the number of British citizens held by the Iranian regime on 27th February 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they are making to reduce the number of British citizens being held by the Iranian regime.

My Lords, I am grateful that time has been allocated to this debate and I look forward to the range of contributions, as well as to the Minister’s response.

I declare my personal interest in the subject. I come originally from Iran; I was born in the beautiful and historic city of Isfahan and I left as a teenager, with my family, following the impact of the Islamic revolution on the small Anglican Church community of which we were a part and, in particular, the attempt on my father’s life and the murder of my 24 year-old brother.

As I have said before in this Chamber, none of this has left me with ill will towards my homeland, but rather a profound sense of sadness at its current plight. I retain a deep love for Iran, its beauty and ancient civilization, and I have great respect for my fellow countryfolk, many of whom suffer in an increasingly intolerable situation or find themselves part of the growing diaspora community. I still hope one day to travel back to Iran, but for now this is not possible because of the current regime.

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about access to breakfast clubs for children with special education needs and disabilities

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question on ensuring children with special educational needs and disabilities can access school resources such as breakfast clubs on 27th February 2025, during following a government statement on school breakfast club provision:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: My Lords, like many other noble Lords, I welcome this Statement. How will the Government ensure that breakfast clubs will be accessible to learners with special educational needs and disabilities who may usually be supported by one-to-one staff during the school day?

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Bishop of St Albans tables question on national programme for prostate cancer screenings

The Bishop of St Albans tabled a question on establishing a national programme for prostate cancer screenings on 27th February 2025:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to introduce a national screening programme for prostate cancer.

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about loss of family homes through HMO conversions

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question on the high rate of conversion of family homes into houses of multiple occupation on 27th February 2025, during a discussion on affordable rented housing:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: My Lords, one consequence of sustained high rents in the private sector is the conversion of family homes into HMOs. Are the Government monitoring this trend, and what action are they taking on the loss of family homes in this way?

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Church Commissioners Questions: Rural Parishes, Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, Cathedrals, Church of Scotland, Diocese of Jerusalem, Church Organs, Archbishop of Canterbury

On 27th February 2025, Marsha De Cordova MP, representing the Church Commissioners, gave the following answers to MPs in the House of Commons:

Rural Parishes

Charlie Dewhirst MP (Bridlington and The Wolds) (Con) asked: What assessment the Church of England has made of the contribution of rural parishes. (902885)

    Marsha De Cordova (Battersea) (Lab): The Church of England has more than 10,000 churches in our towns and villages in rural areas. In addition to their regular processes of prayer and worship, parish churches play an important role in the life of our rural communities.

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    Bishop of London advocates for assessment of cuts to development aid

    On 26th February 2025, the Bishop of London responded to a government statement on defence spending, urging that an assessment take place to identify the risks posed by cuts to development aid:

    The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, I refer to my entry in the register of interests: I am the chair of Christian Aid. I am very privileged to follow the noble Lord, Lord Fowler, because I think we need to reject this false choice between defence spending and development spending. They are not competing priorities. This is not just about reputation. Properly used development funding helps to prevent conflict. It tackles instability and provides a greater and more just world. We have heard the concern that cutting aid in this way risks exacerbating instability and leads to conflict. Will the Government not just make an assessment of the outcomes of this cut in funding but make a proper assessment about the risk of increased insecurity, instability and conflict as a result of the cut?

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    Votes: Product Regulation and Metrology Bill

    On 26th February 2025, the House of Lords debated the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which a bishop took part:

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    Bishop of London asks about reducing health inequalities

    The Bishop of London asked a question on building partnerships with faith and community groups to address health inequalities on 26th February 2025, following a discussion on incorporating chiropractors into national musculoskeletal health prevention strategies:

    The Lord Bishop of London: My Lords, according to the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance report on health inequalities and deprivation, an important way to reduce health inequalities in these conditions, particularly in those groups of people who are underserved, is to help them to manage their own conditions. Often it is much harder because they often have more than one complex condition; often they are much more complex and are picked up much later. One of the recommendations was around moving NHS care into the community. Could the Minister tell us what the Government are doing to encourage the NHS to build partnerships with community groups, including faith groups, to seek to reduce inequalities in these conditions and communities?

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