BBC World Service: Sustainability

Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I have not read that evidence, but I will do. What the noble Lord describes is transnational repression and criminality. We will do whatever we need to do to stamp it out, and he is right to draw our attention to it. We are deeply concerned, and this is another reason why we must do everything we can and use our leadership to protect, preserve and enhance the vital role that journalists play across the world.

[The Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham]

My Lords, the World Service has been particularly effective at communicating issues of faith and freedom of religion, and, notably, at addressing misinformation during times of global conflict. In the light of the increasing importance of this, what steps are the Government taking to ensure that it is well placed to play an increasing educative role in the understanding of faith?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

As the right reverend Prelate says, the World Service does a very good job of this, as it does in so many areas of public life. Although it is independent of government, and it is vital that that remains the case, we talk to and work closely with it on areas of priority for the government, including freedom of religion and belief, language services and geographical priorities. It is right that we do so. I highlight the work being done in Afghanistan on the education of girls in particular, which is especially impressive.