On 18th May 2020 a virtual sitting of the House of Lords debated a motion from Baroness Sugg, “That the Virtual Proceedings do consider the international response to COVID-19.” The Bishop of Durham, Rt Revd Paul Butler, and the Bishop of St Albans, Rt Revd Alan Smith, spoke in the debate:
The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, thankfully, the virus appears to be spreading slowly in most African countries, with Lesotho declaring its first case only last week. However, the World Bank forecasts that Covid-19 could push 49 million people into extreme poverty. The economic impact on some poorer nations could be more detrimental than the health threat. The aid Her Majesty’s Government committed at the international pledging event will be vital for the poorest nations, but our international response must be sustainable, which requires trade, not simply aid. What actions have Her Majesty’s Government taken to ensure that good free trade agreements are made with poorer nations?
Continue reading “Bishops of Durham and St Albans debate international response to Covid-19”
The Lord Bishop of St Albans: 
On 13th May, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, received a written answer from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on Israeli Settlements in the West Bank.
On 13th May, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark, received a written answer from Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on Israeli Settlements in the West Bank.
