The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 27th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact on the natural environment of the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the recent conflict.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab, FCDO): No such assessment has been made.
The Bishop of Winchester received the following written answer on 27th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Winchester asked His Majesty’s Government:
The Bishop of Manchester spoke in a debate on civil preparedness on 20th April 2026, speaking on the role of faith groups and the importance of civil liberties:
My Lords, I share the gratitude already expressed to the noble Baroness, Lady Harris of Richmond, for securing this debate. In the short time available I will make just three brief observations, and I assure the Minister that none of them would lead to much expense.
First, on faith communities, I applaud that documents often refer to faith communities, but sometimes we appear to be wrapped up into a generic voluntary, community and faith sector. Faith groups are not just another example of voluntary or community activity; their reach goes much deeper into every corner of society. Their numbers far outweigh other bodies. They have different decision-making structures and are often networked in complex but effective ways, and many have significant links to the memberships of international bodies.
Our faith groups can and will have a major role to play in any situation that requires civil engagement and response, but that requires them to be seen as what they are, not lumped into a more convenient category. I am very grateful in my own diocese that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority fully recognises that distinctiveness. Having a very informed and supportive mayor means that we are recognised for who we are, and I believe that we make a major contribution already to civil society, as we could in terms of preparedness for a war situation.
Continue reading “Bishop of Manchester highlights role of faith communities in civil preparedness”The Bishop of Chester spoke in a debate on civil preparedness for war, stressing the need to rebuild trust and social support in society on 20th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Chester: My Lords, I add my gratitude to the noble Baroness, Lady Harris, for bringing this vital Question forward, and I declare my interest, having served for a brief while in chaplaincy in our Armed Forces. Both the SDR and the 2025 resilience action plan raise this whole-of-society approach as a “fundamental element” of our national security. We have heard comparisons with the Nordic states. I would also draw comparisons with such countries as Ukraine and Taiwan, except the difference is that social inequality is far greater in this nation.
I had intended to make some erudite points about faith communities, which are brought in by the resilience action plan—I am sure that my right reverend friend the Bishop of Manchester will make them far more eloquently than I could—but I was hijacked by an accidental focus group that I found myself conducting over the weekend. As I discussed this matter with my nieces, nephews and godchildren—a group of highly intelligent 18 to 27 year-old adults—some clear and, for me, shocking themes emerged.
Continue reading “Bishop of Chester speaks in debate on civil preparedness for conflict”
The Bishop of Southwark asked a question on the need for diplomacy to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, following a government statement on recent events and the implications for UK security on 14th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Southwark: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness for coming to the House to answer questions on the Statement on the Middle East and to the Prime Minister for his diplomatic efforts in the Gulf. From these Benches, we believe that the initiation of this conflict, the attacks by Iran on its neighbours and the closure of the straits are unjustified. I know from my recent conversation with the Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf that the peoples of the nine nations in the diocese dearly want peace from the threat and the reality of war. I agree with the Minister that the focus now needs to be desperately on de-escalation.
Continue reading “Bishop of Southwark asks about conflict in the Middle East”
The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answer on 13th April 2026:
The Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of the United States about risks to Iran’s territorial integrity of arming separatist groups in Iran.
Continue reading “Bishop of Chelmsford asks about current conflict in Iran”
The Bishop of Leicester received the following written answer on 13th April 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Leicester asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the 2022 Leicester violence, Better Together: Understanding the 2022 Violence in Leicester, published on 23 February.
Continue reading “Bishop of Leicester asks about report on intra-community violence in Leicester”
The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on the impact of the current conflict in the Middle East, following a government statement on the economic impact of the situation on 26th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I welcome this Statement and join the Chancellor speaking in the other place in paying tribute to our Armed Forces. In particular, I welcome support for those families and households hardest hit; however, I share the concern of the noble Baroness, Lady Kramer, for small businesses, and extend that with a question around what we are doing to support the charitable sector: for example, from my recent experience, in the transport costs associated with food banks, in heating warm hubs and so on. We have a responsibility to care for those who care for others, and I ask what the Government are doing to support that work.
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On 19th March 2026, the Bishop of Chelmsford tabled a question on refugee movements following Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon:
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of refugee movements following Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Continue reading “Bishop of Chelmsford asks about impact of conflict in the Middle East on refugee movements”The Bishop of Chelmsford received the following written answer on 19th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to prevent being drawn into offensive military action against Iran.
Continue reading “Bishop of Chelmsford asks about conflict in Iran”
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