Bishop of St Albans asks about technology used for detention of Uyghurs in China

On 23rd and 25th November the Bishop of St Albans received written answers to questions on UK contracts with Pyronix-Hikvision and the use of that company’s technology in Uighur detention facilities in China:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Barran on 10 November (HL9675), how many contracts they have issued to Pyronix-Hikvision in (1) 2018, (2) 2019 and (3) 2020 to date; and what was the value of each such contract. [HL10247] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about technology used for detention of Uyghurs in China”

Bishop of St Albans asks about gambling advertising, rehabilitation, education and football

On 23rd, 25th & 26th November 2020 the Bishop of St Albans received  written answers to questions on gambling advertising, rehabilitation, education and football:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the announcement that Burnley FC are working with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust to educate staff and supporters about the risks of gambling, what representations they have made to the Premier League to encourage clubs to adopt similar initiatives. [HL10378] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about gambling advertising, rehabilitation, education and football”

Bishop of Government asks Government about process for selecting beneficiaries for Towns Fund

On 19th November the House of Lords heard a statement from Government on the Towns Fund. The Bishop of St Albans asked a follow-up question:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans [V]: My Lords, I am also delighted that the Government have set up the towns fund, which will make a significant contribution to many poorer communities. Nevertheless, it still remains that the Public Accounts Committee has expressed concerns about why some towns were chosen and some were not. In future, will Her Majesty’s Government undertake to publish the objective criteria and evidence that will be used for selection so that everyone can be assured that there is no political influence in making these selections and choices? Continue reading “Bishop of Government asks Government about process for selecting beneficiaries for Towns Fund”

Bishop of St Albans asks about conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan

On 18th November the Bishop of St Albans received written answers to questions on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reports of ethnic cleansing of Armenian Christians and the use of white phosphorus:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the case for the provision of further security guarantees to assist those living in the Nagorno-Karabakh region; and what steps they are taking to monitor and assess clashes and casualties along the ‘line of contact’ in that region. [HL10014] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan”

Bishop of St Albans asks about problem gambling by young people

On 18th November the Bishop of St Albans received written answers to two questions on problem gambling and young people:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the findings from the Gambling Commission’s 2020 Young People and Gambling Survey; and what steps they are taking to reduce problem gambling among 11 to 16-year olds. [HL10105]

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Gambling Commission and Ipsos Mori Young People & Gambling 2020 Technical Report, published in August, in particular its finding that the number of 11 to 16 year-olds classified as problem gamblers had risen from 1.7 per cent in 2019 to 1.9 per cent in 2020; and what discussions they have had with the Gambling Commission about ways in which problem gambling by children can be reduced. [HL10245] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about problem gambling by young people”

Bishop of St Albans asks Government if it will recognise Armenian Genocide

On 18th November the Bishop of St Albans received a written answer to a question on recognition of the Armenian genocide.

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have to review their position on the recognition of the Armenian genocide. [HL10012] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks Government if it will recognise Armenian Genocide”

Votes: Fire Safety Bill

On 17th November 2020 votes took place on amendments to the Government’s Fire Safety Bill. The Bishop of St Albans took part: Continue reading “Votes: Fire Safety Bill”

Bishop of St Albans asks about housing market

On 16th November the Bishop of St Albans received a written answer in response to a question on house prices, sales and diversification:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Greenhalgh on 1 October (HL8296), 6 October (HL8828), and 28 October (HL9442), what assessment they have made of the impact of (1) fears of negative equity on existing house purchases, and (2) house prices rising faster than wage increases, on the effectiveness of diversification. [HL9871] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about housing market”

Bishop of St Albans asks about rural broadband rollout

On 16th November 2020 the Bishop of St Albans received a written answer to a question on gigabit-capable rural broadband:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Agnew of Oulton on 3 November (HL9493), whether the commitment to provide gigabit-capable broadband nationwide will be rolled out equitably between rural and urban communities. [HL10103] Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about rural broadband rollout”

Bishop of St Albans asks about ability of British National Overseas status holders in Hong Kong to come to UK

On 12th November Baroness Northover asked the Government “what assessment they have made of reports that four pro-democracy legislators have been dismissed from the Hong Kong Legislative Council with immediate effect.” The Bishop of St Albans asked a further question:

The Lord Bishop of St Albans [V]: My Lords, the Government have provided a way for citizens holding a BNO passport to take steps to come here. A high proportion of people will miss out on this scheme, particularly those born after 1997. What other immigration measures have the Government considered in the interests of safety for the people of Hong Kong? Continue reading “Bishop of St Albans asks about ability of British National Overseas status holders in Hong Kong to come to UK”