Tag: refugees

Bishop of Chichester asks about support for Ukrainians residing in the UK

On 7th June 2022, The Bishop of Chichester asked a question on the support available for Ukrainian students and other temporary UK residents in light of the war in Ukraine:

The Lord Bishop of Chichester: My Lords, what assessment have the Government made of the number of Ukrainians currently here on economic or student visas who may soon be at risk of overstaying their visa and may be unable to return home, and of the sort of support that they might require and be given?

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Bishop of Southwark asks about vaccinations for refugees sent to Rwanda

The Bishop of Southwark received the following written answer on 6th June 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Southwark asked Her Majesty’s Government whether asylum seekers removed to Rwanda as part of the UK–Rwanda Asylum Partnership Arrangement will receive vaccinations for (1) Hepatitis A, (2) Tetanus, and (3) Typhoid, prior to travelling to that country, in line with (a) advice, and (b) recommendations, from the (i) National Health Travel Network, and (ii) the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

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Bishop of Chelmsford asks about Ukrainian refugees

The Bishop of Chelmsford asked a question in a debate about refugee displacement on 28th April 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Chelmsford: As we heard the Minister say, the UN estimates that more than 11 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes since 24 February, more than 5 million have fled the country and approximately two-thirds of the country’s children are now displaced. We would do well to remember that these are not just numbers; each of them represents a human life. The outpouring of concern from the British public and willingness to host refugees in their homes has been a powerful statement of love amid this extraordinary tragedy. Indeed, many across the diocese of Chelmsford, which I serve, and across the country, have gone to great lengths to welcome refugees with open arms. Can the Minister expand on what is being done to address concerns raised about delays and complications in processing asylum applications through the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

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Bishop of Durham asks about government’s immigration policy

The Bishop of Durham received the following written answer on 28th April 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Durham asked Her Majesty’s Government who will be on the Independent Monitoring Board referred to in the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government and the government of Rwanda for the provision of an asylum partnership arrangement; and when will the Board be fully operational.

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Votes: Nationality and Borders Bill

On 27th April 2022, the House of Lords debated amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill. A vote was held on an amendment, in which two Bishops took part.

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Bishop of St Albans asks about accommodation for Ukrainians in the UK

The Bishop of St Albans received the following written answer on 27th April 2022:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans asked Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to provide short-term accommodation for non-vulnerable Ukrainian adults who have been granted leave to remain but have no access to public funds.

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Votes: Nationality and Borders Bill

On 26th April 2022, the House of Lords Debated amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill, and votes took place on amendments in which Bishops took part:

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Votes: Nationality and Borders Bill

On 4th April 2022, the House of Lords debated amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill. There were votes on amendments to the bill, in which Bishops took part.

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Bishop of Worcester asks about the Homes for Ukraine scheme

The Bishop of Worcester asked a question in a debate on the Homes for Ukraine scheme on 28th March 2022:

The Lord Bishop of Worcester: My Lords, I pay tribute to the Minister for the enormous amount that he has done in a very short space of time. At the same time, however, I acknowledge the frustration that is felt and expressed by the noble Baroness, Lady Finlay, on the part of so many people. We have tried locally to convene people in the community, and enormous support is forthcoming, but there seems to be a problem with the process. One acknowledges the need for security checks, but I have heard a lot of times, anecdotally, about the complexity of the visa process and how difficult it is. Local government is waiting for guidance from the Government here.

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Refugees (Family Reunion) Bill: Bishop of Durham speaks in debate

On 18th March 2022, the House of Lords debated the Refugees – Family Reunion Bill in its third reading. The Bishop of Durham spoke briefly on the issue of family separation before the bill was passed:

The Lord Bishop of Durham: My Lords, I regret not having been able to speak earlier. As noble Lords know, I spoke passionately on this issue on the Nationality and Borders Bill. I do not think that it is too late for the Government to think about reintroducing this into that Bill on Tuesday in the other place. I hope that they might do so.

Hansard