The Bishop of Norwich tabled a question on the benefits of peatland restoration for flood resilience and stability on 12th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of peatland restoration for flood resilience and nature recovery.
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The Bishop of Norwich spoke in response to a government statement on the UK’s defence activities during the current conflict in the Middle East on 11th March 2026, raising the issue of conflicts elsewhere and the need to maintain focus on these alongside current events:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, as other Members of the House have done, I pay tribute to His Majesty’s Armed Forces. As the father of a soldier, I am acutely aware of what the families at Akrotiri in Cyprus are going through at the moment. I am sure they are being well supported by chaplains in the Armed Forces, just as many of the communities in the Gulf will be being supported by Anglican and other denomination chaplains serving in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. I am grateful to the Minister for the briefing that was given yesterday at the Ministry of Defence. I found it immensely helpful and it gave me assurance about the preparedness that had gone on over the last few weeks.
Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich responds to government statement on conflict in the Middle East”The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on the impact of changes to inheritance tax and future policy changes on rural communities during a discussion on the reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive on 11th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: I keep hearing from farmers, particularly from small farms, about the impact of the fiasco of the changes in inheritance tax. Would the Minister give some reassurance that future policy changes will truly be rural-proofed? I declare an interest as this year’s president of the Royal Norfolk Show.
Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich asks about impact of tax policy on rural communities”The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on whether dyscalculia would be included in the work of inclusion hubs on 10th March 2026, during a discussion on special educational needs:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for the answers she has given, but I will probe a bit further in two areas. Will dyscalculia be included in the core work of the inclusion hubs that are suggested as a requirement for all secondary schools in the schools White Paper? To what extent will the newly announced “experts at hand” funding specifically be used to address support for children with this condition?
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During a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill on 9th March 2026, the Bishop of Norwich spoke in support of an amendment aimed at broadening the protections provided to war memorials under the provisions of the bill:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, I support Amendment 370 in the names of the noble Lords, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay and Lord Blencathra. Across this nation, war memorials, often raised by public subscription of pennies here and tuppences there, stand to hold memories of those who gave their lives—sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, cousins and parents. They are carved in stone, metal, wood or marble. The Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in Bedfordshire is a living memorial planted by Edmond Blyth, a World War I veteran, to commemorate his friends who were lost. They are physical embodiments of sacrifice, courage and collective memory, often within the curtilage of parish churches, each name both precious to someone and precious in the sight of God—ordinary people called to do the most extraordinary things in very challenging times. When they are damaged, it is a hit in the stomach for the whole of that community. It damages how we build our life together.
Continue reading “Crime and Policing Bill: Bishop of Norwich supports amendment on protecting war memorials”The Bishop of Norwich asked a question on faith group, community, and voluntary sector involvement during a discussion on the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care on 9th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich: My Lords, in 2023, the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care encouraged a conversation not only between provider and recipient but with all those involved in care and support, to create rounded and fulfilled lives. That includes the voluntary sector, community groups and faith groups, which provide befriending and bereavement support and acts of worship in care homes. What plans does the Casey commission have to ensure that all parties participate in the national conversation mandated in its terms of reference?
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The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 9th March 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government how they intend to support the COP29 Collective Quantified Goal of at least $300 billion per year from the developed world by 2035.
Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich asks about UK contribution towards COP goals”The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 26th February 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government what progress they have made towards mandating UK-regulated financial institutions and FTSE 100 companies to implement transition plans aligned with the Paris Agreement; and what timetable they intend to set for introducing such requirements.
Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich asks about energy transition plans for businesses”The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 23rd February 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to support international nature restoration, following their report National security assessment on global ecosystems, published on 20 January.
Continue reading “Bishop of Norwich asks about steps to support international nature restoration”The Bishop of Norwich received the following written answer on 23rd February 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Norwich asked His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the use of charitable funds originating from the UK being used to support and maintain illegal settlements in Palestine; and whether they will undertake a review of this practice.
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