Tag: economy

Bishop of Derby asks Government about transport infrastructure and investment in the East Midlands

On Wednesday 17th June 2015 the House of Lords debated a Government motion in the name of Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon “that this House takes note of transport connectivity and infrastructure in the north of England.” The Bishop of Derby, Rt Revd Alastair Redfern, spoke in the debate, highlighting transport, infrastructure and investment questions for the east Midlands and Derby diocesan area.

Bishop of DerbyThe Lord Bishop of Derby: My Lords, I, too, thank the Minister for his clear, optimistic and encouraging introduction, and associate myself with the noble Lord, Lord Prescott, and his desire for this to proceed quickly and effectively. I declare an interest in that I come from Derby in the east Midlands, so I feel a bit like an interloper in this debate about the north—although part of our diocese is the Peak District, which may just qualify as the north. Continue reading “Bishop of Derby asks Government about transport infrastructure and investment in the East Midlands”

Bishop of Leeds makes first speech in the House of Lords – constitution, devolution, economy

“Give a voice to the experience of those who otherwise are silenced. This is why the Lords spiritual are here, rooted in communities across the whole of our country, networked internationally, informed, often inconveniently and compelled to tell the truth as they see it. I hope to fulfil this vocation with the humility and confidence that it surely demands”. – Bishop of Leeds, 1/6/15

On 1st June 2015 the Bishop of Leeds spoke for the first time in the House of Lords. In his address, which came during the debate on the Queen’s Speech, he spoke of his background in the Church of England, his diocese, constitutional change, Europe and how economic and devolution proposals might impact on places such as Bradford. The full text is below and can also be watched online here.

Bp Leeds June 2015The Lord Bishop of Leeds (Maiden Speech): My Lords, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate, especially given the kindness I have already met in this House since being introduced in February. I wish to express my gratitude to all sides of the House for the welcome I have received and particularly to the staff, who have assisted and advised me, sometimes on the same issue more than once. This coming Saturday I will be speaking in Stuttgart before thousands of people along with Kofi Annan and the German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. At least today I can address this House in English. Continue reading “Bishop of Leeds makes first speech in the House of Lords – constitution, devolution, economy”

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 – Bishop of Chester

On 26th March 2015 the House of Lords debated a motion “that this House takes note of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015”. The Bishop of Chester, Rt Revd Peter Forster, spoke briefly on a point of clarification:

14.03 Bishop of ChesterThe Lord Bishop of Chester: My Lords, I have just one brief question for the Minister on the regulations. Paragraph 20 of the impact assessment refers to financial impact. It states that the deemed approach—which is much the better one, I am sure—will cost £1.3 million to homeowners and £4.6 million to contractors. All my experience is that costs to contractors get handed on to the people for whom they are providing their services, so how do we know that the £4.6 million will not simply be handed on to the homeowners to whom the services are being provided? How can one make that distinction? Continue reading “Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 – Bishop of Chester”

Bishop of Portsmouth responds to the budget statement

On 25th March 2015 the Bishop of Portsmouth, Rt Revd Christopher Foster, spoke in the debate in the House of Lords on the Budget Statement for 2015-’16. The Bishop raised encouragement of personal saving, the income tax threshold, and future welfare reform, amongst other issues. The text of his speech is below:

14.04.09 Portsmouth maiden speech 1The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, it is right to acknowledge what is good and encouraging in the economic situation—particularly compared to the background of five years ago—and in much of what the Chancellor announced last week, and I am glad to do so. I warmly welcome the continuing fall in the number of people unemployed and, among the proposals, funding for wi-fi in public libraries, investment in transport infrastructure in the north of England, a boost to charities through the raising of the small donations gift aid limit and the extra allocation for mental health services for children and for new mothers, especially when half of my Bishop’s Lent appeal in Portsmouth diocese is to support local mental health charities. I am pleased, too, to hear of the planned rise in the minimum wage, though longing for the living wage to become the norm. There is much to welcome but, as I have indicated, with some caveats.

Continue reading “Bishop of Portsmouth responds to the budget statement”

Bishop of St Albans speaks on need to change attitude towards debt, credit and saving

“We need to work to move our society away from the current situation in which indebtedness is increasingly seen as the norm. We need to find ways of changing attitudes to credit and saving for the long term” – Bishop of St Albans, 12/3/15

On 12th March 2015 the House of Lords debated a motion in the name of Lord Stevenson of Balmacara, “to ask Her Majesty’s Government what action they will take to implement the report on the Money Advice Service undertaken by Christine Farnish.” The Bishop of St Albans, Rt Rev Alan Smith, spoke about the importance of good financial advice services, access to affordable credit and the need for high quality financial education for young people.Bishop of St Albans

Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans speaks on need to change attitude towards debt, credit and saving”

Bishop of St Albans praises role of small business in UK economy

On 3rd February 2015, the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, took part in a question for short debate in the House of Lords, led by Conservative Peer Lord Risby, on what steps the Government are taking to encourage the growth of small businesses. The Bishop focussed his brief remarks on support for new small businesses, in particular regarding advice and funding. He suggested that more could be done to support the development of community finance initiatives. 

Bishop of St AlbansThe Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, there is no doubt that we need to create a culture in which entrepreneurial skill is encouraged and supported. Small businesses form a vital part of our national landscape and are integral to the flourishing of our society. The social capital that we all seek depends on strong partnerships: partnerships between manufacturing, finance and chambers of commerce; between new entrepreneurs and established businesses; and between local and national government and the universities, as well as the voluntary and faith sectors. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans praises role of small business in UK economy”

Questions to the Church Commissioners on the Archbishop of York’s Book ‘On Rock Or Sand’, Medical Ethics, the Anglican Communion, Financial Eduation, Women Bishops and Bats

Church Commissioners

In Church Commissioners Question TIme on Thursday 29th January 2015, the Rt Hon. Sir Tony Baldry MP answered questions on the Archbishop of York’s Book ‘On Rock Or Sand’, Medical Ethics of Mitochondrial Transfer, the Anglican Communion, Financial Education, Women Bishops and Bats in Churches

Continue reading “Questions to the Church Commissioners on the Archbishop of York’s Book ‘On Rock Or Sand’, Medical Ethics, the Anglican Communion, Financial Eduation, Women Bishops and Bats”

Bishop of Sheffield speaks in debate on economic leadership for cities

“Sheffield Cathedral has recently celebrated its centenary, together with the centenary of the diocese I serve. This has been marked by a £3 million reordering of the medieval church to make it truly a place for all people and contributing to building confidence across the whole region.”

14.03.27 Bishop of SheffieldOn 11th December 2014, Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Shipley led a take-note debate in the House of Lords on the case for enabling economic leadership for cities. The Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Steven Croft, spoke in the debate. He highlighted the importance of local democracy in enabling economic flourishing, noting the recent commitment by the Sheffield City Council to become the ‘fairest city in Britain.’ He highlighted the importance of community integration, investment in infrastructure and a broad engagement with local democracy as key attributes of a flourishing local economy and called on the Government and future governments to prioritise strategies to improve local democracy. Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield speaks in debate on economic leadership for cities”

Bishop of Portsmouth responds to the Autumn Statement

“I pray, and not just hope, that, as we approach further substantial cuts in public spending, the aspiration for the nation will be enjoyed by the many and not just those who now benefit from the welcome but modest steps that the Chancellor has taken.”

14.04.09 Portsmouth maiden speech 1On 4th December 2014 the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, spoke in a take-note debate in the House of Lords on the Autumn Statement and measures to promote economic growth and to support businesses in the United Kingdom. In his speech, the Bishop welcomed the Chancellor’s wish to back the aspiration of many to save, work and own a home, but noted that there are still many barriers to this being possible for all.

The Lord Bishop of Portsmouth: My Lords, it is a pleasure to add to others’ my welcome to the noble Lord, Lord Rose, in eager anticipation of his maiden speech. The Statement of the right honourable Chancellor of the Exchequer has been welcomed and applauded in some quarters and criticised in others for its emphasis on what it means for individuals and families, as well as for the national economy. I am glad to see specific, though limited, encouragement for some individuals and welcome support for some often overlooked but important groups in society. The most noticeable and eye-catching announcements yesterday highlighted the changes to stamp duty, ISAs, fuel duty and air passenger tax. For some in our communities, these will be welcome news after an extended and extending period of fiscal tightening and often reduced disposable income. There will, however, be changes—as those on these Benches serving all parts of England know—that will make little or no difference to many who would echo the Chancellor’s wish to back the aspiration to save, work and own a home. Continue reading “Bishop of Portsmouth responds to the Autumn Statement”

Bishop of Peterborough highlights collaboration between churches and local enterprise in Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill debate

On 2nd December 2014, the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Revd Donald Allister, spoke during the Second Reading debate of the Government’s Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill. In his remarks, the bishop highlighted a number of examples of churches and cathedrals working local businesses for the common good of the community. He strongly welcomed the Bill, particularly noting the inclusion of measures to introduce a Register of Persons with Significant Control. However, he also highlighted a number of ways in which the Register could be strengthened, and called on the Government to review the proposed legislation.

14.02 PeterboroughThe Lord Bishop of Peterborough: My Lords, like others I welcome the noble Baroness, Lady Harding, and look forward to hearing her maiden speech when I sit down.

I warmly welcome the Bill. Small businesses and local enterprise are part of the life-blood of communities and play a major part in enhancing the life opportunities of many people. Granted, there are areas where the Bill could go further, but every initiative to support small businesses is to be welcomed. Continue reading “Bishop of Peterborough highlights collaboration between churches and local enterprise in Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill debate”