Bishop of Newcastle speaks on growth of the technology sector in the North East of England

The Bishop of Newcastle spoke in a debate on the contribution of science and technology to the UK economy on 31st October 2024, with a focus on the growth of the science and technology sector in the North East of England:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount, Lord Stansgate, for bringing this important and timely debate. I look forward to the maiden speech of the noble Baroness, Lady Freeman, and welcome her to your Lordships’ House.

I want to focus my remarks on the north-east region’s rapidly growing science and tech sector as a huge asset to the UK economy, attracting skills and investment from across the world. At the heart of the sector in this region are its five distinguished universities: Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside. This month they announced their new partnership, known as Universities for North East England, that will strengthen their collaboration, making a greater contribution to everyone who lives, works, and studies in the north-east and driving regional economic growth.

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Bishop of Newcastle highlights need to support local charities and faith communities in the voluntary sector

The Bishop of Newcastle spoke in a debate on the contribution of the charitable and voluntary sector to the UK on 31st October 2024, highlighting the work done by smaller local charities and the need to support the work done by faith groups in local communities:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for bringing this timely debate to your Lordships’ House and I look forward to the maiden speech of the noble Baroness, Lady Porter.

I recently had the privilege of attending the North East Charity Awards. I wish I could highlight all the inspiring charities and individuals featured but, for the sake of time, I will limit myself to two. The North East Young Dads and Lads Project is a support service dedicated to helping young men and fathers play an active and meaningful role in the lives of their children and wider society. The project works with them to build a greater sense of self-worth and resilience, reducing social isolation and challenging negative perceptions. Smart Works Newcastle helps unemployed women with clothing and coaching into employment, transforming their lives. Some 69% of clients gain employment within one month. These are small, local north-east charities that understand the needs of their communities and make a tangible impact. It is so often the small charities with personal relationships that can most effectively bring about lasting change in people’s lives.

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Bishop of Newcastle asks about regional railway connectivity

The Bishop of Newcastle asked a question on railway connectivity in the North East of England on 31st October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, the father of the modern railways, George Stephenson, was born in Wylam in my diocese. The noble Lord, Lord Parkinson, has already referred to the pride that the north-east feels in his legacy. Would the Minister consider adding his name to those of colleagues from all sides of this House and the other place in pledging support for the reinstatement of the Leamside line in the north-east, adding a modest 21 miles of connectivity to that region?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China

On 31st October 2024, the Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government whether they recognise the treatment of Uyghur Muslims by the government of China as genocide.

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Bishop of Norwich asks about offshore oil and gas industry

The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answers on 30th October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government what their policy is for licensed but undeveloped sites for offshore oil and gas drilling, and whether they plan to implement a moratorium on issuing of development consents for those sites.

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Bishop of Newcastle asks about reducing number of young people not in employment, education, or training

The Bishop of Newcastle tabled a question on government steps to educe the number of young people not in employment, education, or training on 29th October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education, or training.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about gambling taxation

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 29th October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what assessment they have made of the finding in the Social Market Foundation report Fiscally Responsible: The case for reforming Remote Gambling Duty, published on 15 October, that 52 per cent of respondents to a Survation poll believe the Government should increase tax on online gambling.
  • what consideration they have given to doubling the tax on remote gaming duty from 21 per cent to 42 per cent, as recommended by the Social Market Foundation report Fiscally Responsible: The case for reforming Remote Gaming Duty, published on 15 October.
  • what plans they have to conduct a full review of gambling taxation ahead of the 2025 Budget, as recommended in the Social Market Foundation report Fiscally Responsible: The case for reforming Remote Gaming Duty, published on 15 October.
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Bishop of Newcastle speaks in debate on treatment of religious minorities

The Bishop of Newcastle spoke in a debate on treatment of religious minorities in South Asia on 28th October 2024, highlighting the treatment of these minorities in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and the global responsibility to safeguard freedom of religion and belief:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Ahmad, for securing this important debate. I also commend the work of my right reverend friend the Bishop of Winchester, who works tirelessly on the issue of freedom of religion or belief. He expresses his regret that he could not be here to contribute to today’s debate. It is an honour to follow the noble and right reverend Lord, Lord Harries, who ordained me as a deacon in Oxford nearly 20 years ago.

As outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of religion or belief is a foundational right. A denial of FORB is often a warning sign for challenges and human rights troubles to come. The UK must therefore continue to reaffirm its commitment to FORB, particularly concerning regions where increasing threats to this foundational right are present. South Asia is home to a rich mosaic of religions. However, the religious diversity in this region is being undermined, and I draw your Lordships’ attention to just two countries by way of illustration.

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Bishop of Newcastle asks about support for children’s homes

The Bishop of Newcastle asked a question on support for children’s homes in the north of England on 28th October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, at the last count in March 2023, 41% of children’s homes in England were located in the north of England. What steps are the Government taking to provide additional support to areas of the country where there is a disproportionately higher number of children in the care home and care system?

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Bishop of St Albans asks about the rural economy

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answers on 28th October 2024:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the performance of the rural economy compared to that of other countries in Europe.

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