Tag: Exeter

Bishop of Exeter asks about international efforts to combat food insecurity in conflict areas

The Bishop of Exeter asked a question on government efforts to work internationally to combat food insecurity in areas of conflict on 7th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: My Lords, as the president of the International Rescue Committee rightly noted, conflict is one of the primary drivers of food insecurity around the globe, so what steps are His Majesty’s Government taking, in co-operation with our partners, to convene dialogue and work with local peacebuilders and faith leaders to help in areas of conflict?

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con, Foreign Office): We are working in many areas, including an area in which I lead on the initiative of preventing sexual violence in conflict. 

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about international efforts to combat food insecurity in conflict areas”

Bishop of Exeter asks about the COVID-19 enquiry

The Bishop of Exeter received the following written answer on 4th September 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter asked His Majesty’s Government how the needs of the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, as distinct from the disabled, will be addressed in the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe (Con, Cabinet Office): The UK COVID-19 Inquiry is independent of the Government. The process, procedure and timing of the Inquiry are matters for the Chair, Baroness Hallett.

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about the COVID-19 enquiry”

Bishop of Exeter leads debate on the housing crisis in rural and coastal communities

On 24th July, the Bishop of Exeter tabled a question for short debate on the need to address housing issues in rural and coastal communities:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: To ask His Majesty’s Government what their plans are to address the housing crisis in rural and coastal communities.

My Lords, as bishop with pastoral care of one of the largest rural dioceses in England that boasts not one but two coastlines, I have become concerned about the escalating housing crisis in rural and coastal communities. If this is the true situation in Devon, I suspect it will be true for other parts of England, which is why I am encouraged by the number of colleagues from across the House who are speaking today. My hope is that we can distil wisdom that will reshape the housing policies of His Majesty’s Government.

We are all familiar with the problems of affordability caused by the chronic housing shortage that is having a disproportionate impact on people with low incomes. The Government, as they have admitted today, are falling woefully short of their own homebuilding target and, as a result, people are suffering, because they have nowhere to call home. Their health is diminished and community spirit is being eroded. In coastal and rural areas, particularly in tourist hotspots, the situation is compounded by second home ownership, holiday rentals and Airbnb lettings.

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter leads debate on the housing crisis in rural and coastal communities”

Bishop of Exeter asks about importance of upholding human rights in international relations

On 6th July 2023, the Bishop of Exeter asked a question on the importance of supporting and upholding human rights during an exchange on the status of pro-democracy activists in China and Hong Kong:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his answers, but does he not agree that this case is yet further evidence for the revisionist tendencies of the Chinese Government when it comes to human rights? This tendency will only intensify as China tries to use its economic and political muscle to mute its critics, so does it not underscore the importance of His Majesty’s Government working tirelessly to revive the spirit of universality that originally inspired the human rights project in upholding core rights and freedoms?

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about importance of upholding human rights in international relations”

Votes: Illegal Migration Bill

On 5th July 2023, the House of Lords debated the Illegal Migration Bill in the third day of the report stage. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which Bishops took part:

Continue reading “Votes: Illegal Migration Bill”

Bishop of Exeter asks about resolution to doctors’ strikes

The Bishop of Exeter tabled a question on what progress the government had made towards resolving strikes by NHS doctors on 5th July 2023:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: To ask His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards resolving the strikes by doctors in the NHS.

Lord Markham (Con): My Lords, the Government have been clear that we want to resolve the strikes by doctors. We negotiated in good faith with the BMA’s junior doctors committee in May. The Government stand ready to meet junior doctors again if they move from their unreasonable ask of a 35% pay rise this year. We also want to open negotiations with consultants. We encourage unions to come to the negotiating table rather than proceeding with strike action.

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about resolution to doctors’ strikes”

Bishop of Exeter asks about investment in social care

The Bishop of Exeter asked a question on the need for investment in the social care workforce on 4th July 2023, following a government statement on the NHS workforce plan:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: My Lords, we on these Benches very much welcome this workforce plan, in particular the expansion of places for training with a range of clinicians and the shift of gaze towards community care and prevention. Our anxiety very much mirrors that of the noble Baroness, Lady Merron, and the noble Lord, Lord Allan of Hallam. We notice that page 23 of the report says:

“This Plan is predicated on access to social care services remaining broadly in line with current levels or improving”.

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about investment in social care”

Votes: National Security Bill

On 4th July 2023, the House of Lords debated Commons amendments and reasons for the National Security Bill. A vote was held on an amendment to the bill, in which Bishops took part:

Continue reading “Votes: National Security Bill”

Votes: Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

On 4th July 2023, the House of Lords debated the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. Votes were held on amendments to the bill, in which Bishops took part:

Continue reading “Votes: Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill”

Bishop of Exeter asks about decision to end direct payments to UK farmers

The Bishop of Exeter asked a question about the impact of the government’s decision to end direct payments to farmers on 4th July 2023, during a debate on government plans to reduce trade barriers to food imports from the EU:

The Lord Bishop of Exeter: My Lords, I wonder what account His Majesty’s Government have taken of the impact of ending their direct payments to English farmers, and whether it has put them at a competitive disadvantage compared to their European counterparts.

Continue reading “Bishop of Exeter asks about decision to end direct payments to UK farmers”