Bishop of Sheffield asks about faith charters

The Bishop of Sheffield asked a question about the role of faith charters in fostering understanding and mutual respect in communities during a discussion on antisemitism on 11th June 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: My Lords, last autumn, Sheffield City Council entered into a faith and belief charter with local faith leaders, setting out our expectations of one another for mutual respect and kindness. Yesterday, I spoke to a rabbi who observed that antisemitism inevitably increases in seasons when society is more divided and polarised, and decreases when the culture of our common life is kind. Does the Minister agree with me that faith charters, such as the one in Sheffield, play a vital role in fostering precisely the virtues of kindness and mutual respect that counter the evil of antisemitism, among other things?

Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about faith charters”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about move-on period for refugees

The Bishop of Sheffield tabled a question on the timeline for the publication of the evaluation report of the 56-day move-on period pilot for those granted refugee status on 10th June 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: To ask His Majesty’s Government what is the timeline for the publication of the evaluation report of the 56-day move-on period pilot for those granted refugee status.

My Lords, in begging leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper, I declare my interest as a patron of the ASSIST charity in Sheffield.

Lord Hanson of Flint (Lab, Home Office): My Lords, the Home Office commissioned an evaluation of the 56-day move-on period, which has now been completed, following the pilot concluded earlier this year. The final report, by happy coincidence, was published on 10 June and is available to read online.

Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about move-on period for refugees”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about asylum applications

The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answers on 27th April 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield asked His Majesty’s Government how many asylum application caseworkers are currently employed by the Home Office; and what plans they have to hire more staff to address the appeals backlog.

Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about asylum applications”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about flood prevention

The Bishop of Sheffield tabled a question on the use of technological assistance for flood detection and prevention on 19th March 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield: To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the use of technological assistance for flood detection and prevention.

Lord Katz (Lab, Government Whip): My Lords, the Environment Agency routinely uses technology to improve flood detection and prevention, including enhanced warning systems, drones, and digital tools to support early detection and preparedness. It is expanding the use of remote sensing and real-time monitoring to assess the condition of flood defence assets, strengthening forecasting and optimising maintenance. In 2025, the agency published a new national flood risk assessment outlining current and future flood and coastal erosion risks across England.

Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about flood prevention”

Votes: Crime and Policing Bill

On 18th March 2026, the House of Lords debated the Crime and Policing Bill, including amendments on protest, terrorism, and abortion. Bishops took part on votes on several amendments:

Continue reading “Votes: Crime and Policing Bill”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about revised International Education Strategy

The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answer on 2nd 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”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about higher education and asylum

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”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about combatting flooding and droughts in Yorkshire

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”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about Goole and District Hospital

The Bishop of Sheffield received the following written answer on 22nd January 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield asked His Majesty’s Government:

  • what consultations are underway with North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust and local community members regarding the possible closure of Goole and District Hospital.
  • what assessment they have made of the availability and accessibility of high-quality healthcare services at Goole and District Hospital.
Continue reading “Bishop of Sheffield asks about Goole and District Hospital”

Bishop of Sheffield asks about fees and charges for overseas students

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”