Tag: criminal justice

Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill: Bishop of Newcastle speaks on importance of ethics in police work

The Bishop of Newcastle spoke at the second reading of the Conduct of Undercover Policing and Surveillance Operatives Bill on 17th July 2026, emphasising the importance of trust and ethics in police work:

The Lord Bishop of Newcastle: My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, for bringing this Bill before your Lordships’ House. It is an honour to follow the noble and learned Lord, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, in this debate. I acknowledge the contributions from your Lordships who have drawn on their expertise and experience, which is far beyond my own.

Before turning to the substance of the Bill, which I support, I wish to acknowledge the extraordinary service that our police officers give to this country. In doing so, I pay tribute to PC Jess Turnbull of Northumbria Police, who tragically died in the line of duty at just 19 years of age. Her funeral was held in Newcastle Cathedral last Friday. We continue to hold her family, friends and colleagues in our thoughts and prayers, giving thanks for her life and her willingness to serve others at such a young age. Her death reminds us that policing is a vocation of public service, often carried out at great personal cost. It is in that spirit that I approach the Bill.

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Bishop of Manchester highlights links between homelessness and reoffending during debate on housing for early release prisoners

The Bishop of Manchester spoke in a debate on partnership working between prisons and housing authorities to prevent rough sleeping among early release prisoners on 16th July 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, I too thank the noble Lord, Lord Farmer, for securing this important debate, not least because it brings together two of my long-term concerns—homelessness and the rehabilitation of offenders. I declare my interests as the chair of the Church Housing Association and as a trustee of the Clink Charity, which works within and beyond prisons.

Homelessness is both a cause and a consequence of offending. Breaking this cycle requires an understanding of individual vulnerabilities and a “whole community” approach to rehabilitation. Without long-term, joined-up thinking that provides prison leavers with the tools to live independently, prisoners are trapped in a cycle of reoffending. This undermines their intrinsic human value. From these Benches, I would add “their God-given value”. In St Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus notably refers to concern for prisoners as one of just a handful of criteria determining a divine judgment.

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Bishop of Gloucester asks about women remanded in custody

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 1st July 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government what proportion of women being held on remand are remanded for their own protection; and what assessment they have made of the reasons why they are being remanded for their own protection.

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Bishop of Gloucester asks about reoffending rates

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 24th June 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government how many prisoners in England and Wales received “two strike” sentences between 21 March 1997 and 4 April 2005; and how many of that number have (1) never been released, or (2) been recalled to prison following release.

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King’s Speech Debate: Bishop of Gloucester speaks on criminal justice

The Bishop of Gloucester gave a speech in the King’s Speech debate on 18th May 2026, urging the government to take a long term and nuanced view on prisons and criminal justice:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester: My Lords, it is a great privilege to speak today in response to His Majesty’s gracious Speech. It was a delight and privilege to hear the maiden speech of the noble Lord, Lord Case, and of course, that of my friend, the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. She and I share a commitment to justice, and I refer to my interests stated in the register as Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons.

The gracious Speech set out the Government’s ambition for the UK to be

“a country fair for all and a place where every child is included in the nation’s highest aspirations”.

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Votes: Crime and Policing Bill

On 16th April 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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Votes: Victims and Courts Bill

On 15th April 2026, the House of Lords debated amendments to the Victims and Courts Bill. Votes were held on these amendments, in which a Bishop took part:

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Bishop of Gloucester asks about compassionate release of prisoners

The Bishop of Gloucester received the following written answer on 25th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Gloucester asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • how many prisoners (1) applied for, and (2) were granted, early release on compassionate grounds in each of the past five years.
  • whether a three-month prognosis is required for a prisoner to be considered for early release on compassionate grounds.
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Crime and Policing Bill: Archbishop of Canterbury speaks in debate on abortion law

The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke during a debate on the proposed clause 208 of the Crime and Policing Bill on 18th March 2026, which would seek “to add the requirement of DPP consent for the institution of the criminal proceedings in Clause 208 against a woman acting in relation to her own pregnancy and reduces the limitation period for the offence,”, opposing the clause and supporting amendments on the safeguarding of under-18s accessing abortion services:  

The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury: My Lords, many noble Lords will know that the Church of England’s view on abortion is one of principled opposition, recognising that there can be limited conditions under which abortion may be preferable to any available alternatives. This is based on the belief of the infinite worth and value of every human life, however old or young, and including life not yet born. The infinite value of human life is a fundamental Christian principle that underpins much of our legal system and has shaped existing laws on abortion. All life is precious. We therefore need to recognise that women confronted with the very complex and difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy deserve our utmost understanding, care and practical support as they face what is often a heart-wrenching decision.

However, I cannot support Clause 208. Though its intention may not be to change the 24-week abortion limit, it undoubtedly risks eroding the safeguards and enforcement of those legal limits and, inadvertently, undermining the value of human life.

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Votes: Crime and Policing Bill

On 18th March 2026, the House of Lords debated the Crime and Policing Bill, including amendments on protest, terrorism, and abortion. Bishops took part on votes on several amendments:

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