Tag: Iraq

Bishop of St Albans asks Government to step up humanitarian aid in Tikrit

On 10th March 2015 the Bishop of St Albans, Rt Rev Alan Smith, asked a question in the House of Lords on humanitarian assistance for the people of Tikrit, Iraq. He followed it with a supplementary question to the Minister. Those exchanges, along with a transcript of all subsequent questions on the same by Peers, are below. 

Bishop of St AlbansThe Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the statement by the United Nations that 28,000 civilians have been displaced from the city of Tikrit by the actions of Islamic State, what plans they have to increase the provision of humanitarian aid to the conflict area. Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government to step up humanitarian aid in Tikrit”

Bishop of Norwich calls for focus on family well-being in handling of Chilcot Inquiry

On 3rd November 2014, Lord Dykes asked Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to expedite the publication of the report by the Chilcot Inquiry. The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, asked a supplementary question:

14.06.12 Bishop of NorwichThe Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, does the Minister accept that repeated press reports of rows between the Cabinet Office and the inquiry over the declassification of documents are deeply hurtful to the families most affected by the Iraq conflict? Does he agree that until the inquiry is completed, many bereaved and grieving families will not be able to move on?

Lord Wallace of Saltaire: My Lords, I appreciate that many have been affected by the issues studied by this inquiry. I am not aware of any rows between the Cabinet Office and the inquiry. I am aware of a long series of complex discussions within the British Government, between the British Government and our allies and with the inquiry about the exact nature of what should be published. I am conscious that what will be published includes notes from more than 200 Cabinet meetings, for example, including some extracts from Cabinet minutes.

(via Parliament.uk)

Bishop of Coventry receives written answer on reform and reconciliation in Iraq

On 3rd November 2014, the Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth, received an answer to a written question on the subject of reform and reconciliation in Iraq.

13.10 Bishop of CoventryThe Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what practical assistance and support they are providing to the government of Iraq in taking forward a credible programme of political reform and reconciliation in that country.[HL2201]

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Anelay of St Johns): Political reconciliation and reform are crucial if there is to be a long-term solution to the current instability in Iraq. We therefore welcome the new Government of Iraq’s commitment to inclusive governance. We will support them in implementing their programme wherever we can and have called for others in the international community to do the same. We are already providing assistance with the development of parliamentary democracy, community policing and dialogue between religious leaders. We are in regular contact with the new Iraqi government over national reconciliation and, in particular, with Vice-President Allawi, whose responsibility it is. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), raised the importance of reform and reconciliation with Vice-President Allawi during his recent visit to London and our ambassador in Baghdad has also discussed it with him on a number of occasions.

(via Parliament.uk)

BISHOP OF COVENTRY RECIEVES TWO WRITTEN ANSWERS ABOUT JURISDICTION OF ICC IN IRAQ & CREATING NEW PROVINCES IN IRAQ

13.10 Bishop of CoventryThe Bishop of Coventry, the Rt Revd Christopher Cocksworth asked the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Anelay of St Johns two written questions about Iraq.

 

 

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Iraq about Iraq either acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court or accepting the exercise of the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction with respect to the current situation facing that country.[HL2202]

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the principle of universality. We have consistently raised Iraq’s responsibility to observe international laws and obligations in our contact with the Government of Iraq. The UK has not, to date, made representations to the current Government of Iraq regarding to accession to the Rome Statute or accepting ICC jurisdiction in relation to the current situation in the country. Any decision to involve the ICC must be made on the basis of whether the court would prove an effective means of bringing the perpetrators of atrocities to justice. We will continue to look at every available option for ensuring accountability.

The Lord Bishop of Coventry: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what conversations they have had with the government of Iraq about the implementation of proposals announced by that government in January 2014 to create three new provinces, including one in the largely Christian Nineveh Plains.[HL2203]

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: These proposals have not yet been implemented, but we support the new Government of Iraq’s commitment to decentralised governance and greater sharing of power with the provinces. This will form an important part of efforts to increase political inclusivity, which is necessary if the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) are to be driven out of Iraq for the long term.

(Via Parliament.UK)

ISIL, Iraq and Syria – Bishop of Truro asks about freedom of religion

On 16th October 2014 a statement by the Foreign Secretary on ISIL, Iraq and Syria was repeated in the House of Lords by the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Baroness Anelay of St Johns. The Bishop of Truro, Rt Rev Tim Thornton, asked a question in response:

Bishop of Truro 20.6.13

The Lord Bishop of Truro: My Lords, I, too, thank the noble Baroness for her Statement and associate the Lords spiritual with her thanks and tributes to those she mentioned in it. The conflicts in Syria and Iraq are, sadly, part of a wider cycle of sickening violence in which individuals and groups are increasingly targeted for their religious affiliation. Continue reading “ISIL, Iraq and Syria – Bishop of Truro asks about freedom of religion”

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 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”

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”