12th January 2022
Bishop Christopher asked the government what it would do to reconcile differences between nuclear weapons possessor states and non-possessor states at the forthcoming Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, and specifically what it would do in pursuit of disarmament, in line with Article VI of the NPT and the concerns underpinning the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Read the transcript here and watch the discussion here.
Duty week, 21st-24th February 2022
On Monday 21 February, the House of Lords debated foreign policy and defence co-operation in Europe. Bishop Christopher asked:
My Lords, given the Minister for Europe’s comments yesterday that the conflict in Ukraine could lead to 5 million refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, what forms of co-operation are Her Majesty’s Government preparing with European partners in response to this looming humanitarian crisis and other catastrophes on the world stage, caused through conflict, climate change or whatever?
Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park replied:
My Lords, the Foreign Office is supporting the Home Office in its diplomatic engagement with European partners and is looking to strengthen co-operation, including a possible new EU-UK migration agreement, and on the immediate concerns relating to Ukraine.
Read the transcript here.
On Tuesday 22 February, the House of Lords debated further developments in the Ukraine. Bishop Christopher asked:
My Lords, these are dark days indeed for Europe, but unlike the noble Lord, Lord Newby, I welcome the commitment in the Statement to unrelenting diplomacy. Does the Leader agree that the stronger the sanctions, the better placed that diplomatic work will be? Is there a particular contribution that Britain can make in the diplomatic engagement even now?
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park replied:
We are continuing to work with our allies in diplomatic terms. As I said, the Prime Minister spoke to President Zelensky yesterday evening and President Macron this afternoon. We are anticipating a G7 call this week. We will be working through all the channels that we can with our international allies. As I have set out, we have introduced the first tranche of sanctions, which is a strong, tough sanctions regime, but we will increase and step up sanctions if we continue to see Russian aggression.
Read the transcript here.
On Thursday 24 February, the House of Lords continued to debate the crisis in Ukraine. Bishop Christopher asked:
My Lords, while weapons of war reduce people and property to ash, will the Leader join me in commending the Pope on calling for a day of prayer and fasting for peace next Wednesday, which is Ash Wednesday, and in commending the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury on calling us all to join in that world movement of prayer and calling all churches of this land to set aside Sunday as a day of prayer for peace? Also, would she care to expand on her answer to the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, on the humanitarian response, especially in terms of how we are co-ordinating our response with European partners to the predicted refugee crisis? The Leader may be glad to know that Coventry City Council has assured me that it stands ready to do its part should that be needed, as it has been in the past.
Baroness Evans of Bowes Park replied:
I am grateful to the right reverend Prelate and all the faith leaders he mentioned for the action they are taking. We stand united in the face of this Russian aggression and, once again, it is fantastic to have leadership from across all our communities standing together. I set out to the noble Baroness, Lady Smith, a number of things that we are doing in relation to the humanitarian effort—in particular working through the UN, which we will continue to do. Of course, we will assess the situation and discuss with international partners other things that we may be able to do to help if we see a refugee crisis unfold within what is happening in Ukraine.
Read the transcript here.
10th September 2022 - Follow the death of HM the Queen.
Bishop Christopher paid tribute to HM the Queen on behalf of the people of Coventry and Warwickshire.
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