Contributions
792 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDSafeguardingAt the General Synod in February, I called for a fully independent model for safeguarding. Synod did not adopt that approach but did commit to undertaking some detailed work that…22 May 2025HANSARDSafeguardingAbsolutely. I was at that meeting of Synod and it was disappointing that my preferred model of full independence was not adopted. We owe it to those like the hon. Lady’s…22 May 2025HANSARDChurch Assets: Historical Link to SlaveryThe forensic accounting research published in 2023 revealed that Queen Anne’s Bounty was linked with African chattel enslavement in two main ways: significant investments in the…22 May 2025HANSARDChurch Assets: Historical Link to SlaveryI thank the Mother of the House for the seven or eight questions that she has asked—she will forgive me if I write to her in response to many of those points. To reiterate, the…22 May 2025HANSARDSame-sex couples: Church Blessing ServicesI am sure my hon. Friend will understand why I cannot comment on who the next Archbishop should be. The process is well under way, and I am sure that hon. Members will join me in…22 May 2025HANSARDOccupied Palestinian Territories: ChristiansWe can all agree that the mass atrocities in Gaza and the attacks on civilians in the west bank have been repeatedly raised at Church Commissioner questions—indeed, by my hon.…22 May 2025HANSARDSame-sex couples: Church Blessing ServicesA proposal to enable churches to opt in to the use of prayers of love and faith in stand-alone services is out for consultation and will come back to the House of Bishops in…22 May 2025HANSARDOccupied Palestinian Territories: ChristiansIn October 2023, the Archbishops of Jerusalem and Canterbury launched an emergency appeal for the diocese of Jerusalem, and it receives donations from international partners,…22 May 2025HANSARDOccupied Palestinian Territories: ChristiansThe Church unequivocally condemns all forms of violence and torture, and I know I speak for many when I say impunity for abuse against Palestinian detainees must end. But there is…22 May 2025HANSARDLeasehold: Value for MoneyI commend my hon. Friend for all the work she is doing on this important issue, which affects many constituencies, and it was a pleasure to meet her and members of that residents…22 May 2025HANSARDOccupied Palestinian Territories: ChristiansI thank the Father of the House for his question. He makes a truly important point: everybody should have the freedom to worship and nobody should be allowed to prevent that with…22 May 2025HANSARDUK-EU SummitI congratulate the Prime Minister and his colleagues on their success at the summit. The Government’s hard work has paid off: this is a good deal and a good first step. Businesses…20 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesI beg to move, That this House has considered the impact of churches and religious buildings on communities. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Jeremy. I am…13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesThe hon. Member is right that we have had many exchanges. He knows that I am firmly committed to ensuring that the scheme is extended and, more importantly, that schemes in train…13 May 2025HANSARDUK-EU SummitMy hon. Friend is making an excellent speech. Constituents and small and medium-sized businesses are crying out for this Labour Government to come forward and renegotiate a good…13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesIf that church is on the list of 260, it would be, but I would be very happy if the hon. Gentleman follows that up with me after the debate so we can look into it. Thirdly, will…13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesThe right hon. and learned Gentleman will not be surprised to hear that I fully agree. I turn to some of the work that churches do. The Church Commissioners already contribute…13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesThe hon. Lady makes a really important point: churches are a place of worship, but they do so much more in their communities.13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesI thank the Minister for giving way. He is making a good speech responding to the debate, but I raised three points at the start: making the scheme permanent, prioritising support…13 May 2025HANSARDChurches and Religious Buildings: CommunitiesI think Members across the Chamber will agree that this has been a good-spirited debate. It has not been party political, because churches and places of worship are present in all…13 May 2025