The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answer on 3rd February 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield asked His Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 16 September 2025 (UIN HL10060), what plans they have to amend the International Education Strategy; and what the anticipated timeline for the publication of a revised strategy is.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about revised International Education Strategy”The Bishop of Sheffield asked a question on investment in higher education for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK on 29th January 2026, during a discussion on extending the scope of eligibility for the Erasmus+ scheme:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, I am proud that both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University offer sanctuary scholarships to support talented students who have sought asylum in the UK. Noble Lords will know that many asylum seekers and refugees arrive in the UK already equipped with language skills, vocational training and, indeed, advanced degrees. Given the Government’s intention to introduce an international student levy on English higher education providers, will any of the revenue raised be reinvested in asylum seekers and refugees pursuing higher education or further education in this country?
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about higher education and asylum”The Bishop of Sheffield tabled a question on sustainable water management solutions to address flooding events and protracted droughts in Yorkshire on 28th January 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: To ask His Majesty’s Government what evaluation they have made of sustainable water management solutions to address flooding events and protracted droughts in Yorkshire.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about combatting flooding and droughts in Yorkshire”The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answer on 22nd January 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield asked His Majesty’s Government:
The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answer on 22nd January 2026:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield asked His Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Smith of Malvern on 16 September 2025 (UIN HL10064), which higher education providers have been or will be consulted about the introduction of a levy on income from international students.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about fees and charges for overseas students”The Bishop of Sheffield asked a question on encouraging the use of covenants and charters to promote engagement and cooperation between faith communities and local authorities, during a discussion on use of the “advancement of religion” charitable purpose by charities on 26th November 2025:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, just two weeks ago, Sheffield City Council launched its faith and belief charter—a sort of service-level agreement between local faith communities and the local authority setting out what each might expect of the other for the wider benefit of our city. The charter assumes a shared commitment to the essential dignity of every human being, as created in the image and likeness of God. Will the Minister encourage the use of such covenants and charters between faith communities and local authorities, not least on account of their capacity to challenge precisely the behaviours identified in the Question put by the noble Baroness?
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about engagement between local authorities and faith groups”
The Bishop of Sheffield asked a question on the need to ensure financial support and medical supplies reach the Anglican Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on 16th October 2025:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, from these Benches, I join others in expressing deep appreciation and thanks to the Lord Speaker for his service to this House and assure him of our continued support in the coming months. Noble Lords may be aware that efforts are under way to rebuild the Al-Ahli hospital, managed by the Anglican diocese of Jerusalem. It remains the only hospital in operation in the north of Gaza, but most of its buildings are in ruins following multiple airstrikes earlier this year. Hospital staff have remained in place throughout the conflict. They are now in urgent need of medical supplies to continue to deliver life-saving treatment. I ask the Minister to bring her influence urgently to bear to ensure that financial support and medical supplies reach the hospital so that it can continue to serve the people of north Gaza.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about provision of medical supplies in Gaza”The Bishop of Sheffield tabled a question on the Refugee Family Reunion Scheme, asking what the timeline would be for introducing a new application route for families on 14th October 2025:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: To ask His Majesty’s Government, following the temporary suspension of new applications to a refugee family reunion scheme, what is the timeline for introducing a new route.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about application routes for refugee families”
On 13th October 2025, the Bishop of Sheffield spoke in support of three amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill on support for family life and for refugee children separated from their parents:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, I will speak in support of three amendments in this group, one to which I have put my name and two to which the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Chelmsford has put hers; as we have heard, she regrets that she cannot be in her place today. I refer to Amendment 177 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Dubs, Amendment 178 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, and Amendment 203K in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Lister.
It is not just the Christian Church that regards the family as more than a merely biological unit; it is the fundamental God-given building block of community life and the source of belonging and stability for children. The former Home Secretary recognised this when she wrote in 2020:
Continue reading “Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill: Bishop of Leicester supports amendments on protecting family life for migrants”The Bishop of Sheffield raised a question regarding evidence presented by the Bishop of Chelmsford at the Home Affairs Select Committee in 2024, during a discussion on religious conversion as a basis for asylum claims on 13th October 2025:
The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, I declare an interest as patron of the ASSIST charity in Sheffield, which seeks to support refugees and asylum seekers. Is the Minister aware that the evidence provided by the former Anglican cleric just referenced was refuted by the right reverend Prelate the Bishop of Chelmsford in extensive oral evidence on the subject at a Home Affairs Select Committee meeting in the other place last year?
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about evidence given to Home Affairs Select Committee on immigration and the church”
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