Tag: foreign affairs

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for global, holistic and long-term response to threat presented by ISIL

On 14th October 2014 Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty’s Government what additional measures they are suggesting to allied states to prevent ISIL occupying further territory in Syria and Iraq. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, asked a supplementary question: 

Archbishop of CanterburyThe Archbishop of Canterbury: My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her last answer, which was very reassuring. However, given that the terrible events in Iraq and Syria are the result of a global phenomenon of ideology, what steps are the Government taking to support other areas such as Nigeria, Kenya, Somalia, Pakistan and Sudan where similar problems need to be either prevented, mitigated or contained?

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: My Lords, this is a matter that I discussed this very morning with a group set up by my noble friend Lady Warsi at the Foreign Office. She did most important work; the group is considering freedom of religion or belief. I can say firmly not only that this is one of the six priorities for this Government, but, as when my noble friend Lady Warsi led on this, it is a personal priority for me to ensure that throughout government and throughout our discussions, we consider exactly those points. It is not just a matter of looking at one area but of considering how a breaking down of religion or belief around the world can undermine the very societies in which people need to have security.

(via Parliament.uk)

Ukrainians in Russia: Bishop of St Albans raises concern

On 13th October 2014, Lord Spicer asked Her Majesty’s Government what steps they took to encourage negotiations between the two sides at the start of the conflict in Ukraine. The Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, asked a supplementary question:

Bishop of St AlbansThe Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, as well as seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Donetsk and Luhansk, it is vital that we do not forget those Ukrainians who remained in Crimea and now find themselves under the Russian state. Can the Minister tell us what representations have been made on their behalf, and what progress, if any, has been made by the OSCE monitors in gaining access to Crimea? Continue reading “Ukrainians in Russia: Bishop of St Albans raises concern”

Bishop of Coventry asks Government about humanitarian support for Iraq and Syria

On 13th October 2014 the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth received answers to written questions on Iraq and Syria. The Bishop asked Government about the UK’s involvement in offering humanitarian aid, peacebuilding and support for displaced persons.

13.10 Bishop of Coventry

Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry asks Government about humanitarian support for Iraq and Syria”

Bishop of Coventry – Iraq and Syria (Written Answers)

On 13th October 2014, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, received answers to five written questions on the subjects of Iraq and Syria.

Iraq

13.10 Bishop of CoventryThe Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they will take to ensure the long-term provision of humanitarian assistance for internally displaced people in Iraq.[HL1874]

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) has allocated £23 million to respond to the humanitarian crisis. £17.5 million of this is funding partners already working in Iraq to enable them to provide immediate life-saving assistance. HMG is also providing logistics, coordination and staffing support to the Kurdish and the UN systems to ensure long-term humanitarian provision.

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The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assistance they are providing to the authorities in Iraq to ensure that newly born children of those displaced from northern Iraq are issued with birth registration documents.[HL1876]

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: HMG provided £1 million to UNHCR in Iraq in June 2014, which included support for 4,500 families with legal assistance, protection and support to registration. UNHCR is discussing these issues with the Government of Iraq and leading work to provide legal assistance to internally displaced persons.

(via Parliament.uk) Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry – Iraq and Syria (Written Answers)”

Bishop of Coventry on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq

“Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when a madman came down the street swinging an axe it was our duty to not just apply plasters to the injured but to stop the madman with whatever means were expedient” – Bishop of Coventry, 26/9/14

Parliament was recalled on Friday 26th September 2014 in order to debate UK involvement in military action against ISIS/ISIL, following a request for assistance from the Government of Iraq. In the debate that took place in the House of Lords the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth, gave the following speech:

13.10 Bishop of Coventry

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: My Lords, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Howe of Aberavon, referred your Lordships’ House a few moments ago to the parallel in the 1930s and 1940s in Europe. I should like to draw on one figure from that period which I found helpful in thinking about the matters before us. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when a madman came down the street swinging an axe it was our duty to not just apply plasters to the injured but to stop the madman with whatever means were expedient.

The Government are seeking to join with others to stop the madman swinging the axe of cruelty, and we agree that stopped he must be. The question is: what are the expedient means for doing so? Continue reading “Bishop of Coventry on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq”

Bishop of Derby on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq

Besides the current military need, we have to engage with the debate about what a good society is from the ingredients of politics and religion. We have to contribute to that together if we are to stem this tide and create a safer world to live in – Bishop of Derby, 26/9/14

Parliament was recalled on Friday 26th September 2014 in order to debate UK involvement in military action against ISIS/ISIL, following a request for assistance from the Government of Iraq. In the debate that took place in the House of Lords the Bishop of Derby, Rt Rev Alastair Redfern, gave the following speech:

Bishop of DerbyMy Lords, I invite us to think for a moment about the role of government in the wider strategy. A number of noble Lords have pointed out that this is not just a military issue; it is about religious and political matters. We might just note that some of us in a liberal society are in danger of separating religious and political issues. These are mixed up, but we need to look at them together. Continue reading “Bishop of Derby on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq”

Archbishop Speaks on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq

“We must demonstrate that there is a positive vision far greater and more compelling than the evil of ISIL and its global clones. Such a vision offers us and the world hope and assurance of success in this struggle, not the endless threat of darkness” – Archbishop of Canterbury, 26/9/14

Parliament was recalled on Friday 26th September 2014 in order to debate UK involvement in military action against ISIS/ISIL, in response to requests from the Government of Iraq. In the debate that took place in the House of Lords the Archbishop of Cantery, Most Rev Justin Welby, gave the following speech:

Archbishop of Canterbury

My Lords, the danger of this debate is that we speak only of Iraq and Syria, ISIL, and armed force. ISIL and its dreadful barbarity are only one example of a global phenomenon, as the noble Baroness the Leader of the House mentioned. Continue reading “Archbishop Speaks on ISIS and UK Military Action in Iraq”

Visas for Overseas Church Representatives – Bishop of Chelmsford Question

On 22nd September 2014 the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, received an answer to a question on the issuing of visas to representatives of overseas churches.
14.06.09 Chelmsford 2

Home Office – Entry Clearances
Asked by the Lord Bishop of Chelmsford on 01 September 2014 (HL1763):
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review the criteria for giving visas to overseas church representatives in cases where all fares and expenses are guaranteed by a United Kingdom church body.

Continue reading “Visas for Overseas Church Representatives – Bishop of Chelmsford Question”

Refugees from ISIS, Iraq, Syria – Questions From Bishop of Coventry

 On 22nd September 2014 the Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Christopher Cocksworth, received written answers to two questions of Government – about UK resettlement for Iraqis displaced by ISIS and about Syrian refugees. The answers are below. The other questions tabled at the same time by the Bishop on similar issues can be viewed here.
13.10 Bishop of Coventry

 Home Office – Asylum: Iraq (HL1591)

Asked by the Lord Bishop of Coventry on 28 July 2014:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration they have given to resettling in the United Kingdom a proportion of those displaced from ISIS-controlled areas of Iraq.

Continue reading “Refugees from ISIS, Iraq, Syria – Questions From Bishop of Coventry”

Bishop of St Albans – food security in Angola (Written Answer)

On 11th August 2014 the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Alan Smith, received an answer to a question on food security in Angola.

Bishop of St AlbansThe Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the government of Angola regarding food insecurity in that country; and whether they have encouraged that government to undertake an assessment of the situation.

Baroness Northover (LD): Poor seasonal rainfall early in 2014 in parts of Western Angola has affected the harvest and food availability there. However, throughout most of the country production is considered to be good and expected to be higher than normal. This has helped to maintain reasonable food prices for urban populations.

The Government has not had recent bilateral discussions with the Government of Angola regarding the food situation. The Government of Angola is leading the food assistance programme and is best placed to prepare for and lead such a response with the support of UN partners. The Government of Angola has set up an Inter-ministerial Commission to tackle the drought. The Government of Angola is also embarking on infrastructure projects, such as water supply projects, to mitigate drought impact in the future.

(via Parliament.uk)