Debates between David Linden and John Howell during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Tier 5 Religious Worker Visas

Debate between David Linden and John Howell
Thursday 4th July 2019

(4 years, 10 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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John Howell Portrait John Howell
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The hon. Lady makes an interesting point, but I return to mine: we live in a time when it is very difficult to get enough people to come forward for the priesthood of whichever denomination.

David Linden Portrait David Linden
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The hon. Gentleman will realise that in my speech I quoted the Very Reverend Dr Susan Brown, who is both a woman and a member of the Church of Scotland, which permits female clergy. If the Church of Scotland, which is not the Catholic Church, acknowledges that this is a problem and one not specifically related to gender, does that not drive a coach and horses through his argument?

John Howell Portrait John Howell
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I am tempted to say that if it is not just a Catholic problem, perhaps it is a Scottish problem.