To match an exact phrase, use quotation marks around the search term. eg. "Parliamentary Estate". Use "OR" or "AND" as link words to form more complex queries.

Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments by exploring our subscription options to receive notifications direct to your inbox

Written Question
Layan Nasir
Friday 17th May 2024

Asked by: Desmond Swayne (Conservative - New Forest West)

Question

To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations the Church has made to the Israeli government to secure the release of Layan Nasir from administrative detention.

Answered by Andrew Selous - Second Church Estates Commissioner

On 9th April the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued the following short statement in response to the news that Layan Nasir, a member of an Anglican congregation in the occupied West Bank, had been arrested by Israeli forces.

“I’m shocked and deeply concerned by this news. Together with our Palestinian Christian brothers and sisters, I pray for Layan and her family - and for the congregation of St Peter’s Anglican Church in the Occupied West Bank. Please pray for Layan’s safety and swift release.” The Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun, joined the Archbishop’s call for prayers and her release.

On 28th April the Archbishop renewed his appeal for the release of Layan Nasir, who I understand is being held in Damon Prison, in Israel. A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace told Sky News:

“He is deeply concerned to learn that she is now facing administrative detention for four months, without charge and with no due process for her, her family, or lawyers to challenge this. Such processes against what is already a deeply threatened minority are contrary to commitments given over the years. This, along with daily harassment of Christian laity and clergy in East Jerusalem, indicates the predicament that many Christians now face in the West Bank and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. As the Occupying Power, the State of Israel is obliged by International Law to protect those at risk.”

The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, met with members of the family of Layan Nasir last week during a visit to the Occupies Palestinian Territories. I understand from Church House officials that conversations are ongoing with both the Israeli and the British Government regarding Layan Nasir’s release from administrative detention.

Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 16 May 2024
Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance

Speech Link

View all Desmond Swayne (Con - New Forest West) contributions to the debate on: Relationships, Sex and Health Education: Statutory Guidance
Speech in Commons Chamber - Thu 16 May 2024
Women’s State Pension Age: Ombudsman Report

Speech Link

View all Desmond Swayne (Con - New Forest West) contributions to the debate on: Women’s State Pension Age: Ombudsman Report
Division Vote (Commons)
15 May 2024 - Criminal Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 272 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 167 Noes - 275
Division Vote (Commons)
15 May 2024 - Criminal Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 268 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 171 Noes - 272
Division Vote (Commons)
15 May 2024 - Criminal Justice Bill - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 260 Conservative No votes vs 1 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 17 Noes - 268
Division Vote (Commons)
13 May 2024 - Risk-based Exclusion - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and against the House
One of 165 Conservative No votes vs 8 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 170 Noes - 169
Speech in Commons Chamber - Mon 13 May 2024
Oral Answers to Questions

Speech Link

View all Desmond Swayne (Con - New Forest West) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Division Vote (Commons)
8 May 2024 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 260 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 198 Noes - 269
Division Vote (Commons)
8 May 2024 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Desmond Swayne (Con) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 260 Conservative No votes vs 0 Conservative Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 195 Noes - 266