Jim Shannon Portrait

Jim Shannon

Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford

First elected: 6th May 2010

Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Human Rights)

(since July 2017)

Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Health)

(since May 2015)

30 APPG memberships (as of 24 Jan 2024)
Access to Medicines and Medical Devices, Bahá'í Faith, Carbon Monoxide, Carers, Cleaning and Hygiene Industry, Coastal Communities, Coeliac Disease, Diagnostics, Disability, Eggs, Pigs and Poultry, Energy Studies, Eye Health and Visual Impairment, Farming, Hazaras, Health in all Policies, Healthy Homes and Buildings, Hong Kong, International Freedom of Religion or Belief, Liver Disease and Liver Cancer, Marine Energy, Muscular Dystrophy, National Trust, Pakistani Minorities, Pro-Life, Relationships, Respiratory Health, Shooting and Conservation, Sleep, Tibet, Vascular and Venous Disease
66 Former APPG memberships
Adult Social Care, Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Air Passenger Duty Reform, Alevis, Antibiotics, Autism, Bangladesh, Beer, Blood Cancer, Brain Tumours, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Children who need Palliative Care, Children, Teenagers, and Young Adults with Cancer, Christianity in the Holy Land, Cleaning and Hygiene, Communities Engagement, Connaught Income Fund, Counter-Extremism, Cystic Fibrosis, Dairy, Democracy and Human Rights in the Gulf, Diabetes, Endangered Species, Equipment for Disabled Children, Equitable Life, Equitable Life Policyholders, Fairtrade, Fatherhood, Financial Crime and Scamming, Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, Gambling Related Harm, Hairdressing, Barbering and Cosmetology, Heart Valve Disease, Infant Feeding and Inequalities, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Loneliness, Lyme Disease, Malawi, Markets, Media Freedom, Medical Cannabis under Prescription, Medicines and Medical Devices, Meningitis, Mentoring, Micronutrients and Health, Mutuals, Obesity, Pakistan Minorities, Pancreatic Cancer, Pigeon Racing, Premature and Sick Babies, Professional Sales, Religion or Belief, Reserves and Cadets, Rural Crime, Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention, Terminal Illness, Union, Universal Credit, Unpaid Work Trials, Veterans, Visitors' Economy, Vulnerable Groups to Pandemics, Wood Panel Industry, Yazidi People
Pension Schemes (Conversion of Guaranteed Minimum Pensions) Bill
26th Jan 2022 - 2nd Feb 2022
Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Bill
15th Dec 2021 - 5th Jan 2022
Approved Premises (Substance Testing) Bill
8th Dec 2021 - 15th Dec 2021
Local Government (Disqualification) Bill
24th Nov 2021 - 1st Dec 2021
Cultural Objects (Protection From Seizure) Bill
9th Nov 2021 - 17th Nov 2021
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
11th Sep 2017 - 6th Nov 2019
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Equality)
8th May 2015 - 8th Jun 2017
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Transport)
8th May 2015 - 8th Jun 2017
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
5th Dec 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Committees on Arms Export Controls (formerly Quadripartite Committee)
10th Feb 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Committees on Arms Export Controls
10th Feb 2016 - 3rd May 2017
Defence Sub-Committee
8th Sep 2015 - 5th Dec 2016
Defence Committee
6th Jul 2015 - 5th Dec 2016
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Human Rights)
3rd Apr 2012 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Health)
12th May 2010 - 30th Mar 2015
Shadow DUP Spokesperson (Transport)
12th May 2010 - 30th Mar 2015


Division Voting information

During the current Parliament, Jim Shannon has voted in 798 divisions, and 15 times against the majority of their Party.

25 Mar 2021 - Coronavirus - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 7 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 484 Noes - 76
3 Feb 2021 - Exiting the European Union (Excise) - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 7 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 74 Noes - 353
13 Jan 2021 - Financial Services Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 265 Noes - 355
13 Oct 2020 - Public Health: Coronavirus Regulations - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 6 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 299 Noes - 82
30 Sep 2020 - Town and Country Planning - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 208 Noes - 329
23 Sep 2020 - PUBLIC HEALTH - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 3 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 4 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 337 Noes - 6
21 Sep 2020 - United Kingdom Internal Market Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted No - against a party majority and against the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 6 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 332 Noes - 257
16 Sep 2020 - United Kingdom Internal Market Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted No - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes vs 6 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes
Tally: Ayes - 208 Noes - 330
6 Jul 2020 - Domestic Abuse Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 6 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 200 Noes - 338
19 May 2021 - A Plan for the NHS and Social Care - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 7 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 265 Noes - 366
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 434 Noes - 23
30 Nov 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 431 Noes - 36
14 Dec 2021 - Public Health - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 2 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 3 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 441 Noes - 41
31 Oct 2022 - Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and in line with the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 2 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 268 Noes - 132
30 Nov 2022 - Finance Bill - View Vote Context
Jim Shannon voted Aye - against a party majority and against the House
One of 1 Democratic Unionist Party Aye votes vs 1 Democratic Unionist Party No votes
Tally: Ayes - 55 Noes - 285
View All Jim Shannon Division Votes

Debates during the 2019 Parliament

Speeches made during Parliamentary debates are recorded in Hansard. For ease of browsing we have grouped debates into individual, departmental and legislative categories.

Sparring Partners
Penny Mordaunt (Conservative)
Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons
(115 debate interactions)
Lindsay Hoyle (Speaker)
(107 debate interactions)
Jacob Rees-Mogg (Conservative)
(95 debate interactions)
View All Sparring Partners
Department Debates
Department of Health and Social Care
(551 debate contributions)
Home Office
(286 debate contributions)
View All Department Debates
View all Jim Shannon's debates

Strangford Petitions

e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.

If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.

If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).

Petition Debates Contributed

We want the UK to be neutral in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and withdraw offers of support for Israel.

We want the Government to seek a ceasefire and also seek to address the root cause of the current conflict by promoting dialogue and advocating for the end of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The UK Government should urge the Israeli Government to stop the blockade of Food, Fuel and Electricity to the already impoverished city of Gaza

Review statutory maternity pay in line with inflation and cost of living

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) is currently:
90% of your average weekly earnings (before tax) for the first 6 weeks
£156.66 or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower) for next 33 weeks. This averages £7.5k p/a

Millions of UK citizens have a disability or serious medical condition that means they use more energy. Many people need to use a ventilator 24/7. People use electric pumps to feed through a tubes. People need to charge their mobility equipment, such as electric wheelchairs, stair lifts, bath seats.

Disabled people should be included alongside carers in the £650 one off payment as part of the Cost of Living support package. We have larger utilities bills and food costs when compared to non-disabled people. We rely on these utilities and food to stay alive.

Mark Avery , Chris Packham and Ruth Tingay (Wild Justice) want the opening of the Woodcock shooting season to be pushed back to 1 December. 160,000 Woodcock are shot for fun across the UK whilst their population is declining. The Defra Secretary of State has powers to vary the shooting season.

The Government should prohibit the sale, use and manufacture of free-running snares under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, putting them in the same category as self-locking snares, which are already illegal.

As Parliament considers the Bill of Rights, the Government must reconsider including abortion rights in this Bill. Rights to abortion must be specifically protected in this legislation, especially as the Government has refused to rule out leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

The proposed Human Rights Act reforms must be withdrawn. The Government must not make any changes to the Human Rights Act, especially ones that dilute people's human rights in any circumstances, make the Government less accountable, or reduce people's ability to make human rights claims.

Reverse the plan to withdraw funding for most applied general qualifications such as BTECs and guarantee they will continue to play a major role in the qualifications landscape. Students should not be forced to choose between studying A levels or T levels from the age of 16.

Shooting of Badgers is licensed by Natural England as part of the DEFRA Badger cull. 24,000+ Badgers were shot in 2019.

Join other nations in providing a route to safety for refugees. Waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders arriving in the UK.

Make it a legal requirement when opening a new social media account, to provide a verified form of ID. Where the account belongs to a person under the age of 18 verify the account with the ID of a parent/guardian, to prevent anonymised harmful activity, providing traceability if an offence occurs.

We demand the Government restore England’s publicly funded, publicly provided NHS by reversing all privatising legislation, ending ongoing PFI contracts, and scrapping plans for Integrated Care Systems and for-profit US-style ‘managed care’.

Make it illegal for any employer to mandate vaccination for its employees. This should apply to all public sector (including the NHS, armed forces, care workers), third sector and all private sector.

Given how many animals are sold online, we want Government to introduce regulation of all websites where animals are sold. Websites should be required to verify the identity of all sellers, and for young animals for sale pictures with their parents be posted with all listings.

In 2014 the Human Medicines Act was amended so that schools could keep emergency stocks of salbutamol inhalers without prescription. Asthma is increasing in the UK and we believe that adult sufferers of Asthma working in high-risk commercial kitchens should have similar life-saving support.

The maximum penalty for failure to stop after an incident is points and a 6-month custodial sentence. Causing death by careless/dangerous driving is between 5-14 yrs. The sentence for failing to stop after a fatal collision must be increased.

The offence of causing 'death by dangerous driving' should be widened to include: failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.

Current legislation allows for public use of fireworks 16 hours a day, every day, making it impossible for vulnerable groups to take precautions against the distress they can cause. Better enforcement of existing law is insufficient; limiting their sale & use to licensed displays only is necessary.

I would like the UK Government to make it law that nightclubs must search guests on arrival to prevent harmful weapons and other items entering the establishment. This could be a pat down search or metal detector, but must involve measures being put in place to ensure the safety of the public.

We have the second most expensive childcare system in the world. A full time place costs, on average, £14,000 per year, making it completely unaffordable for many families. Parents are forced to leave their jobs or work fewer hours, which has a negative impact on the economy and on child poverty.

We ask Parliament to repeal the High Speed Rail Bills, 2016 and 2019, as MPs voted on misleading environmental, financial and timetable information provided by the Dept of Transport and HS2 Ltd. It fails to address the conditions of the Paris Accord and costs have risen from £56bn to over £100bn.

Cervical screening needs to be every year.

This is because women are dying, mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters and sisters are dying.

Now the hedgehog has been listed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK, we are calling on the Government to move hedgehogs to schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to allow them greater protection.

Many missing microchipped pets are never reunited as it’s optional to scan & check microchip registration. It’s time veterinary professionals, authorities and rescues checked pet & keeper match on the original database at a pets 1st consultation or yearly checkup. It’s their only chance to get home

A healthy young dog with RBU was euthanised. The person who requested euthanasia was not the registered keeper.

Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that intensive grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s uplands.

Bring in a law which enforces professional football clubs to have at least 51% fan ownership similar to how the Bundesliga operates this rule.

The Government should use the recently established fan led review of football to introduce an Independent Football Regulator in England to put fans back at the heart of our national game. This should happen by December 2021.

Now that we have left the EU, the UK has the ability to finally stop the importation of Shark Fins. They had previously stated that 'Whilst in the EU, it is not possible to unilaterally ban the import of shark fins into the UK.'

Plenty of dogs from UK breeders & rescues need homes. Transporting young pups long distances is often stressful, before being sold for ridiculous prices to unsuspecting dog-lovers. Government must adjust current laws, ban this unethical activity on welfare grounds & protect these poor animals ASAP.

Leading veterinary and welfare bodies are concerned by the alarming rise in ear-cropped dogs in the UK. Ear cropping is illegal in the UK and an unnecessary, painful mutilation with no welfare benefit. The practice involves cutting off part of the ear flap, often without anaesthesia or pain relief.

The Coronavirus Act grants potentially dangerous powers including to detain some persons indefinitely, to take biological samples, and to give directions about dead bodies. Powers last up to 2 years with 6 monthly reviews, and lockdown powers could prevent protests against measures.

The Government should allow golf courses to remain open during the second lockdown, and any future restrictions. Shops and clubhouses can close, but courses should be allowed to remain open, with social distancing in place.

Consider keeping gyms open during lockdown because so many people have mental health and stress and they need something to do to take their mind off it closing all fitness facilities can affect us pretty badly.

Urgent call for the government to close all nurseries and early years settings in light of the new lockdown to protect early years staff.

We want the government to recognise the importance of gyms, health clubs, leisure centres and swimming pools in empowering people to look after their health and stay fit and for them to open first as we come out of lockdown.

We're also calling for government to fund a Work Out to Help Out scheme.

We want the Government to commit to not rolling out any e-vaccination status/immunity passport to the British public. Such passports could be used to restrict the rights of people who have refused a Covid-19 vaccine, which would be unacceptable.

The government should allow BTEC students to achieve teacher predicted grades rather than being forced into a system that is unethically downgrading thousands of students grades.

Schools can be a breeding ground for the spread of coronavirus. Children are mingling at schools and returning to families who are potentially vulnerable, keeping rates high.

It's only been since schools opened that infection rates have been high in Kent, and keeping them open may keep it high.

Cancel all standardise testing for year 11 and year 12 students in 2021. By replacing tests with smaller amounts of course work and teacher assessment, students would have a fair chance at achieving their target grades and it would relieve stress for teachers and students.

Please don’t send students back until we know we have had the priority groups vaccinated such as the elderly, the extremely clinically vulnerable, and those with underlying health conditions.

The Government is refusing to release official research on the characteristics of grooming gangs, claiming it is not in the “public interest”.

We, the British public, demand the release of the official research on grooming gangs undertaken by the Government in full.

The Home Secretary said what happened to victims of child sexual exploitation gangs was “one of the biggest stains on our country’s conscience.” Last year local authorities identified 18,700 suspected victims of child sexual exploitation. We want an independent public inquiry into Grooming Gangs.

Being the first to close and still no clue as to when we can open, this seasonal industry is losing its summer profits that allows them to get through the first quarter of next year.

Even if we are allowed to open in December, 1 months profit won't be enough to keep us open in 2021. We need help

The UK hospitality industry. Responsible for around 3m jobs, generating £130bn in activity, resulting in £38bn in taxation. Yet, unlike the Arts or Sports, we do not have a dedicated Minister.

We are asking that a Minister for Hospitality be created for the current, and successive governments.

Advice from the JCVI on the priority groups for a Covid-19 vaccine does not include school/childcare workers. This petition calls for these workers, who cannot distance or use PPE, to be kept safe at work by being put on the vaccine priority list when such a list is adopted into government policy.

I want the Government to prevent any restrictions being placed on those who refuse to have any potential Covid-19 vaccine. This includes restrictions on travel, social events, such as concerts or sports. No restrictions whatsoever.

The threat of covid19 is real. Children can’t be expected to maintain sufficient social distancing to keep this virus from spreading. They are social creatures. Allowing them back to school could cause a new spike in cases. They could bring it back home, even if they are a-symptomatic.

The Government should cancel GCSEs and A Levels in 2021 due to the disruption of Covid-19. By the time students go back to normal learning, 6 months will have passed since schools were closed to most pupils. This has already had a huge impact on the studying of so many.

Schools should move to online learning from 9 December so that all students and school staff have a chance to isolate for two weeks and then can safely meet older relatives.

Close down schools and colleges due to the increase in COVID-19 cases. We are seeing cases of students and teachers catching the virus since schools have reopened.

Matthew was taken to, ‘a place of safety’, and died 7 days later.
24 others died by the same means, dating back to the year 2000. An indicator that little was done to address the growing problems.
Something went terribly wrong with the NHS Mental Health Services provided to my son.

As the Coronavirus escalates, there are concerns that a trade deal between the UK Government and the US deal might not exempt our NHS, leaving it vulnerable to privatisation and in direct contradiction to promises this would not happen.

We propose to amend the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to make pet theft a specific offence, distinct from that of inanimate objects; and in sentencing, the courts must consider the fear, alarm or distress to the pet and owners and not monetary value.

Pet Theft Reform 2020: Revise the sentencing guidelines in the Theft Act 1968 to reclassify pet theft as a specific crime. Ensure that monetary value is irrelevant for the categorisation of dog and cat theft crime for sentencing purposes. Recognise pet theft as a category 2 offence or above.

Illegal immigrants are entering the UK in many different ways, including small boats from France which are not stopped by either French or British forces.

I would like the government to review and increase the pay for healthcare workers to recognise the work that they do.

To revoke the Immigration Health Surcharge increases for overseas NHS staff. The latest budget shows an increase of £220 a year for an overseas worker to live and work in the UK, at a time when the NHS, and UK economy, relies heavily on them.

We would like the government to support and regard social care: financially, publicly and systematically on an equal par as NHS. We would like parliament to debate how to support social care during COVID-19 and beyond so that it automatically has the same access to operational and financial support.

Give NHS workers who are EU and other Nationals automatic UK citizenship if they stay and risk their own lives looking after the British people during the COVID crisis.

After owning nurseries for 29 years I have never experienced such damaging times for the sector with rising costs not being met by the funding rates available. Business Rates are a large drain on the sector and can mean the difference between nurseries being able to stay open and having to close.

For the UK government to provide economic assistance to businesses and staff employed in the events industry, who are suffering unforeseen financial challenges that could have a profound effect on hundreds of thousands of people employed in the sector.

If nurseries are shut down in view of Covid-19, the Government should set up an emergency fund to ensure their survival and ensure that parents are not charged the full fee by the nurseries to keep children's places.

The prospect of widespread cancellations of concerts, theatre productions and exhibitions due to COVID-19 threatens to cause huge financial hardship for Britain's creative community. We ask Parliament to provide a package of emergency financial and practical support during this unpredictable time.

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak there are travel bans imposed by many countries, there is a disastrous potential impact on our Aviation Industry. Without the Government’s help there could be an unprecedented crisis, with thousands of jobs under threat.

The cash grants proposed by Government are only for businesses in receipt of the Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Relief, or for particular sectors. Many small businesses fall outside these reliefs desperately need cash grants and support now.

To extend the business rate relief to all dental practices and medical and aesthetics clinics and any small business that’s in healthcare

Zoos, aquariums, and similar organisations across the country carry out all sorts of conservation work, animal rescue, and public education. At the start of the season most rely on visitors (who now won't come) to cover annual costs, yet those costs do not stop while they are closed. They need help.

As we pass the COVID-19 Peak, the Government should: State where the Theatres and Arts fit in the Coronavrius recovery Roadmap, Create a tailor made financial support mechanism for the Arts sector & Clarify how Social Distancing will affect arts spaces like Theatres and Concert Venues.


Latest EDMs signed by Jim Shannon

25th March 2024
Jim Shannon signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 26th March 2024

Marlie Packer 100th cap

Tabled by: Sarah Dyke (Liberal Democrat - Somerton and Frome)
That this House recognises the fantastic achievement of Marlie Packer on reaching 100 caps for the Red Roses; congratulates her on becoming only the seventh player to achieve this feat; wishes the Red Roses luck in the rest of their Six Nations matches; understands the important role sport has to …
4 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 2
Scottish National Party: 1
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
25th March 2024
Jim Shannon signed this EDM as a sponsor on Tuesday 26th March 2024

UK Giving Report 2024 and Edinburgh West constituency

Tabled by: Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat - Edinburgh West)
That this House congratulates the people of Edinburgh West for being named the most generous constituency in Scotland in the Charities Aid Foundation UK Giving Report 2024; notes their findings estimate 64% of people in the constituency donated to a charitable cause in 2023, totalling an estimated £23,129,000; further notes …
3 signatures
(Most recent: 26 Mar 2024)
Signatures by party:
Liberal Democrat: 2
Democratic Unionist Party: 1
View All Jim Shannon's signed Early Day Motions

Commons initiatives

These initiatives were driven by Jim Shannon, and are more likely to reflect personal policy preferences.

MPs who are act as Ministers or Shadow Ministers are generally restricted from performing Commons initiatives other than Urgent Questions.


1 Urgent Question tabled by Jim Shannon

Tuesday 21st February 2023

3 Adjournment Debates led by Jim Shannon

Tuesday 10th January 2023
Thursday 16th July 2020
Tuesday 17th March 2020

5 Bills introduced by Jim Shannon


A Bill to require the installation of automated external defibrillators in public buildings, sporting facilities, schools, higher education and other education and skills facilities, and facilities that provide care to vulnerable people; and to make associated provision about training and signage.

Commons - 40%

Last Event - 2nd Reading
Friday 24th March 2023

A Bill to require the Chancellor of the Exchequer to report to Parliament on the likely effects of increasing in line with inflation the income threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge and of determining that threshold by reference to household income instead of individual income.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Tuesday 18th July 2023
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require the installation of automated external defibrillators in public buildings, sporting facilities, schools, higher education and other education and skills facilities, and facilities that provide care to vulnerable people; and to make associated provision about training and signage.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Monday 21st June 2021

A Bill to require the installation of automated external defibrillators in public buildings, sporting facilities, schools, higher education and other education and skills facilities, and facilities that provide care to vulnerable people; and to make associated provision about training and signage.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading
Wednesday 2nd December 2020
(Read Debate)

A Bill to require the provision of audio announcements on public buses; and for connected purposes.

Commons - 20%

Last Event - 1st Reading: House Of Commons
Wednesday 3rd December 2014

86 Bills co-sponsored by Jim Shannon

State Pension Age (Compensation) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Alan Brown (SNP)

Autism (early identification) Bill 2023-24
Sponsor - Duncan Baker (Con)

Universal Jurisdiction (Extension) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Teenagers (Safety and Wellbeing) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Alex Norris (LAB)

Sun Protection Products (Value Added Tax) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Amy Callaghan (SNP)

Spiking Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Richard Graham (Con)

Shared Parental Leave and Pay (Bereavement) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Darren Henry (Con)

Sale of Tobacco (Licensing) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Bob Blackman (Con)

National Minimum Wage Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Paula Barker (Lab)

National Eye Health Strategy Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Marsha De Cordova (Lab)

Markets and market traders (review of support) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Simon Baynes (Con)

Immigration and Nationality Fees (Exemption for NHS Clinical Staff) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Rob Roberts (Ind)

First-Aid (Mental Health) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Dean Russell (Con)

Employment Equality (Insurance etc) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Natalie Elphicke (Con)

Employment Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Steven Bonnar (SNP)

Employee Share Ownership (Reform) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - George Howarth (Lab)

Electricity Supply (Vulnerable Customers) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Sam Tarry (Lab)

Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Barry Sheerman (LAB)

Consumer Telephone Service Standards Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Robert Halfon (Con)

Bus Services (Consultation) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Dean Russell (Con)

Aviation Banning Orders (Disruptive Passengers) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Gareth Johnson (Con)

Renewable Liquid Heating Fuel Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - George Eustice (Con)

Supply of Drugs to Children Under 16 (Aggravated Offence) Bill 2022-23
Sponsor - Kevin Hollinrake (Con)

Pets (Microchips) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - James Daly (Con)

Flexible Working Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tulip Siddiq (Lab)

Recognition of Armenian Genocide Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

Seals (Protection) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Tracey Crouch (Con)

Plastics (Wet Wipes) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Fleur Anderson (Lab)

Import of Products of Forced Labour from Xinjiang (Prohibition) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Brendan O'Hara (SNP)

Digitally Altered Body Images Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Luke Evans (Con)

Digital Devices (Access for Next of Kin) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Ian Paisley (DUP)

Co-operatives (Employee Company Ownership) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Christina Rees (LAB)

Community Wealth Fund Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Paul Howell (Con)

Consumer Protection (Double Charging) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Huw Merriman (Con)

Bereavement Leave and Pay (Stillborn and Miscarried Babies) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Sarah Owen (Lab)

Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Patricia Gibson (SNP)

Transport (Disabled Passenger Charter) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Charlotte Nichols (Lab)

Electric Vehicle Charging Points (New Buildings) (No. 2) Bill 2021-22
Sponsor - Felicity Buchan (Con)

Tree-lined Streets Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Chris Clarkson (Con)

Tibet (Reciprocal Access) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

Sexual Offences (Sports Coaches) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Tracey Crouch (Con)

Education Employment (Accompaniment to Hearings) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Brendan Clarke-Smith (Con)

Desecration of War Memorials Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Jonathan Gullis (Con)

Conveyancing Standards Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Marco Longhi (Con)

Pets (Microchips) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - James Daly (Con)

Ministerial Interests (Emergency Powers) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Owen Thompson (SNP)

New Homes (New Development Standards) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Con)

Jet Skis (Licensing) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

Digitally Altered Body Images Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Luke Evans (Con)

Hong Kong Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Alistair Carmichael (LD)

Immigration (Health and Social Care Staff) Bill 2019-21
Sponsor - Christine Jardine (LD)

Clean Air (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Chris Philp (Con)

Tibet (Reciprocal Access) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Tim Loughton (Con)

Parental Leave (Premature and Sick Babies) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - David Linden (SNP)

Police Officer Training (Autism Awareness) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ann Clwyd (Lab)

Gambling (Industry Levy Review and Protections for Vulnerable People) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Richard Graham (Con)

Parental Rights (Rapists) and Family Courts Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Louise Haigh (Lab)

Compensation Orders (Child Sexual Abuse) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Andrew Griffiths (Con)

Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019
Sponsor - Geoffrey Robinson (Lab)

Access to Fertility Services Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Steve McCabe (Lab)

Hospital (Parking Charges and Business Rates) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Voter Registration (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Armed Forces (Derogation from European Convention on Human Rights) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Leo Docherty (Con)

Election Expenses (Authorisation of Free or Discounted Support) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Craig Mackinlay (Con)

Multi-employer Pension Schemes Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Alan Brown (SNP)

British Indian Ocean Territory (Citizenship) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Henry Smith (Con)

Health and Social Care (National Data Guardian) Act 2018
Sponsor - Peter Bone (Ind)

Food Insecurity Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Emma Lewell-Buck (Lab)

Immigration Detention of Victims of Torture and Other Vulnerable People (Safeguards) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Joan Ryan (TIG)

Gypsy and Traveller Communities (Housing, Planning and Education) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Andrew Selous (Con)

Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Act 2018
Sponsor - Steve Reed (LAB)

Public Sector Supply Chains (Project Bank Accounts) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Debbie Abrahams (Lab)

Wild Animals in Circuses Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Trudy Harrison (Con)

Pets (Theft) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Ross Thomson (Con)

Armed Forces (Statute of Limitations) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Lord Benyon (Con)

Terminal Illness (Provision of Palliative Care and Support for Carers) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Bambos Charalambous (Ind)

Child Maintenance Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Marion Fellows (SNP)

Cold Weather Payments Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Hywel Williams (PC)

DiGeorge Syndrome (Review and National Health Service Duty) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - David Duguid (Con)

Refugees (Family Reunion) (No. 2) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Angus Brendan MacNeil (Ind)

Courts (Abuse of Process) Bill 2017-19
Sponsor - Liz Saville Roberts (PC)

Crime (Assaults on Emergency Services Staff) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Holly Lynch (Lab)

Statutory Nuisance (Aircraft Noise) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Tania Mathias (Con)

Feeding Products for Babies and Children (Advertising and Promotion) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Alison Thewliss (SNP)

Representation of the People (Voter Proof of Identity) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Chris Green (Con)

Organ Donors (Leave) Bill 2016-17
Sponsor - Louise Haigh (Lab)


Latest 50 Written Questions

(View all written questions)
Written Questions can be tabled by MPs and Lords to request specific information information on the work, policy and activities of a Government Department
50 Other Department Questions
6th Feb 2024
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what funds the Commissioners allocate to churches for (a) cameras, (b) alarms and (c) other security equipment.

All churches are eligible to apply for the Home Office hate crime scheme if they need support with new or upgrading equipment or facilities.
The Benefact Trust has funded alarms for churches. More details are available on the Church of England website about how to support parishes with resources and advice: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/advice-and-guidance-church-buildings/security-and-crime-prevention

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps her Department are taking to reduce incidences of workplace misogyny.

Everyone should be able to live without fear of harassment or violence, in the workplace as much as anywhere else. Strong laws against workplace harassment are set out in the Equality Act 2010.

We listened carefully to the experiences shared through our consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace, and committed to a new package of measures which will prioritise prevention. As part of this work, the Government is supporting the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill introduced by the Hon. Member for Bath, which will strengthen protections for employees against workplace harassment.

This builds on the steps we are taking to foster workplaces that celebrate diverse experiences and backgrounds. The Government’s Inclusion at Work Panel will tackle bias and ensure fairness in the workplace by developing and disseminating effective resources to help employers. This will help to create workplaces where everyone feels supported and encouraged to reach their career potential.

Maria Caulfield
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade) (Minister for Women)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that the televised coverage of the Eurovision song contest to be held in Liverpool reflects the success of the Ukrainian entry in the previous year's contest.

It is deeply regrettable that Russia’s illegal invasion has prevented Ukraine hosting the contest in 2023 after its superb victory in last year’s event.

The BBC, Liverpool and the Government are fully committed to ensuring the best of Ukrainian culture is showcased in this year's contest and that their win and our friendship with Ukraine will be celebrated appropriately.

All editorial decisions on the content of the show are for the BBC to make, and we recognise that the BBC is working alongside the Ukrainian national broadcaster to ensure close creative alignment.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to provide financial support for charities, in the context of the cost of living crisis.

As announced in the recent Spring Budget, the Government will provide over £100 million of support for charities and community organisations in England. This will be targeted towards those organisations most at risk, due to increased demand from vulnerable groups and higher delivery costs, as well as providing investment in energy efficiency.

Charities will also continue to receive support for their energy bills until March 2024 under the government’s current Energy Bill Relief Scheme and the future Energy Bills Discount Scheme.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
20th Mar 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department are taking steps to encourage British television productions to film in Northern Ireland.

With world-class facilities and access to a highly-skilled talent pool, Northern Ireland enjoys global recognition as an important production centre for film and television.

Northern Ireland Screen is the national screen agency for Northern Ireland. Funded by the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland Screen’s production credits include the Academy Award nominated film Belfast.

The British Film Institute NETWORK works to support, develop and champion new and emerging filmmakers across the UK. The BFI will continue to delegate funding to Northern Ireland Screen to lead BFI NETWORK in Northern Ireland, with an award of £480,000 across the three years.

To support independent screen content following the pandemic, including film, to grow internationally the government launched the UK Global Screen Fund in April 2021. DCMS has committed a further £21 million to develop, distribute and promote independent UK screen content in international markets. All three strands of the UK Global Screen Fund offer support for Northern Irish companies and projects and several significant awards to Northern Ireland-based companies have been made to date.

DCMS has funded the British Film Commission (BFC) with £4.8 million over three years to support the growth of seven geographic production hubs across the UK nations. Through this, the BFC has provided ongoing support for Northern Ireland’s expanding studio infrastructure initiative, including design support and general guidance to four key studios: Belfast Harbour, Titanic, Loop and Silverwood.

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have also all commissioned critically acclaimed television programmes set and produced in Northern Ireland. This includes Bloodlands, The Secret and Derry Girls.

At Spring Budget 2023, the government went further to support and boost the competitiveness of the TV industry across the UK, through the creative industry tax reliefs. The government announced that the film, high end TV, children’s TV and animation tax reliefs will be reformed to a single Audio-Visual Expenditure Credit, which will provide a greater benefit than the current reliefs.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
27th Feb 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with representatives of the arch-diocese of Jerusalem on damage to graves at the Protestant Cemetery on Mount Zion in January 2023; and what steps he plans to take to (a) help promote religious acceptance and harmony in the UK and (b) prevent vandalism at cemeteries.

The escalating violence in Jerusalem and the occupied Palestinian territories is of deep concern. Representatives of the Church continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, the British Consulate in Jerusalem, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and other faith leaders in the city. The Archbishop of Canterbury remains in close contact with the Archbishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Hosam Naoum, and the Bishop of Southwark regularly visits the region with Roman Catholic bishops as part of the Holy Land Coordination Group.

Following the attacks, the Archbishop of Canterbury issued a statement that read, “The desecration of Christian graves in Jerusalem is a blasphemous act. I join the Chief Rabbi [Ephraim Mirvis] and religious leaders in Jerusalem in condemning it and hope those responsible will be brought swiftly to justice. As we continue to pray for peace in the Holy Land, I stand with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and other Jerusalem church leaders in calling for respect, protection, equality and justice for its Christian community – who are the Living Stones of the church.”

Interviewed immediately after the attacks Archbishop Naoum spoke about the increasing use of exclusion, segregation, and intolerance alongside increasing attacks on the holy sites.

The Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have urged all sides to "actively reaffirm their commitment to a promotion of an environment of safety, mutual respect and religious tolerance in the Holy Land." They also called for assurances to be given to the Christian community in Jerusalem following the increasing levels of extremist threats against them. At a recent meeting with the Jordanian Parliament Committee of External Affairs in Amman, the Heads of Churches raised concerns about the future of a continued presence of Christians, specifically Arabic Christians, in Jordan, Jerusalem and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The statement by the Anglican Archbishop of Jerusalem, the Rt Revd Hosam Naoum, can be read here: https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/01/04/statement-on-the-recent-vandalism-and-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion-4-january-2023/

The statements of the Patriarchs and Head of all Churches in Jerusalem can be read here: https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/01/05/head-of-churches-statement-on-the-recent-vandalism-desecration-of-the-protestant-cemetery-on-mt-zion/

The statement of the World Council of Churches can be read here: https://www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/wcc-statement-on-desecration-of-historic-protestant-cemetery-in-jerusalem

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
27th Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help ensure that cultural attractions around the UK provide sufficient access for disabled people.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is committed to improving the accessibility of our cultural and heritage attractions across the UK for everyone, regardless of their background.

In June 2021 the Government Disability Unit launched an enhanced programme of Disability and Access Ambassadors. As part of this, David Stanley was appointed as the Arts and Culture Disability and Access Ambassador. The Department is working closely with him to improve accessibility to the sector for people with disabilities.

DCMS investment has enabled important accessibility upgrades in cultural venues across the country, including via the joint DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, and via infrastructure grants to DCMS-sponsored cultural bodies. Examples include support for level access at the National Gallery, and new lifts, ramps, and signage at the People’s History Museum in Manchester, amongst other projects.

DCMS’s arm’s-length body The National Lottery Heritage Fund has a longstanding commitment actively to promote accessibility in heritage through its grant-making. The Heritage Fund invested £950,900 in the Curating for Change placement programme, led by and for disabled people, working with 16 national and local museums to deliver employment opportunities. In 2022 research was undertaken by ‘Vocal Eyes’ to improve digital access and information on cultural sites, to expand engagement with blind and visually impaired people.

Arts Councils across the UK are also working together with the British Film Institute to launch a free, UK-wide arts access scheme by early 2024. This scheme will operate across all arts and cultural venues, for seamless, barrier-free booking which is responsive to individual circumstances and needs.

Julia Lopez
Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
8th Feb 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will hold discussions with the Church of England on taking steps to help increase foodbank donations.

A debate about the pressures on the cost of living was held in the General Synod at its February 2023 sessions. Renewed calls and commitments were made there to provide continuing support for the most vulnerable, through parish-based local community partnerships with charities and food bank providers


The Trussell Trust report that their network of food banks receives a significant proportion of their donations from churches and despite a fall during the pandemic when church congregations were not meeting, donations have increased again over the last year, despite the increasing costs that churches and congregants face themselves.

Ensuring that donations keep match with demand is crucial for helping food banks to support everyone who needs them, though decreasing overall demand in the longer term is a shared goal of the Church, providers and Government

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
6th Feb 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support parish churches in holding events for (a) families and (b) other individuals.

A vibrant children’s and youth ministry is often a key component of church growth and creates intergenerational support for new parents and caregivers from experienced parents, grandparents and youth workers. Most Church of England parishes provide activities to engage with families and young people. Examples include breakfast, lunch and holiday clubs, youth clubs, messy church and events in partnership with local authorities, other churches and faith communities. Most dioceses have specialist children, youth or families advisers. More information and resources can be found on the Church of England website here: Our work with children and young people | The Church of England

The Archbishops’ Commission on Families and Households will soon be publishing a report looking at the role of the family in today’s society. Details of the Commission are here: Families and Households Commission | The Church of England .

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
3rd Feb 2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that (a) Newtownards Library and (b) other public libraries have sufficient funding to encourage more people to visit them.

Public libraries policy in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter. The funding of the public library service in Northern Ireland, including Newtownards library, is a matter for the Department for Communities, with provision and promotion of the service secured through Libraries Northern Ireland.

Stuart Andrew
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions he has had with relevant funding bodies on funding for smaller churches, including those in rural villages.

Officials from the National Church Institutions are seeking a meeting with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to discuss the 2017 independent Taylor report on the sustainability of Church Buildings. Despite being commissioned by the Government, the Government has yet to respond.

The Church Commissioners are providing £11million in funding for 2023-25 to support a new “Buildings for Mission” programme to provide support, through dioceses, to local parishes with the challenges they face in maintaining their church buildings.

National grant funding is no longer ring-fenced for religious buildings despite the largest number of listed buildings in the country being from that classification. While grant funding is also available from national and local charities, this can only go so far. The Church of England is grateful to the great many congregations and local philanthropists who continue, despite current financial difficulties, to support the work of the Church.

Recent reports from the National Churches Trust have shown that every £1 invested in a church building returns £16 to the community in other services and facilities. If the Church can spend less time on repairing buildings, an even greater focus could be given to supporting the communities it serves. The evidence for this can be found in the 2021 House of Good report, available at: House of Good 2021

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
23rd Jan 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church is taking steps to promote freedom of religion and belief in (a) Hong Kong and (b) globally.

Freedom of Religion and Belief was discussed at the 2022 Lambeth Conference of global Anglican bishops, where many first-hand accounts of the context in different countries were shared.

Bishops and officials of the National Church Institutions are working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Prime Minister’s Special Representative, to equip civil servants, Government ministers, bishops and churches to respond effectively as possible to violations of freedom of religion, and in follow up to the Bishop of Truro’s report.

Freedom of religion was one of the founding principles of Hong Kong, which has led to a high diversity of faith communities and of those with no faith. The Church of England remains concerned about the treatment of these communities and is monitoring the situation closely.

The Church remains involved in providing welcome and support to those arriving here from Hong Kong under the British National Overseas passport scheme. One local example from Leeds diocese can be seen here: https://www.leeds.anglican.org/news/hong-kong-arrivals-welcomed-and-baptised-leeds-church

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th Jan 2023
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will hold discussions with senior church leaders on encouraging church leaders to hold celebrations to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Churches across the country will be organising events to celebrate the coronation. Many will mark the occasion by ringing a special peal of bells and encouraging new ringers to help. The Central Council of Bell Ringers is able to provide advice and support to towers of ringers who want to join in and ‘Ring for the King’: Ring for the King – Ringing for the King’s Coronation

The Royal School of Church Music are also encouraging choirs to join their ‘Sing for the King’ project. More information is available for directors of music, organists and clergy from the RSCM here: Sing for the King! | RSCM

Buckingham Palace has announced a series of events and festivities over several days, in which churches and community groups will take part. Many parishes are likely to be hosting a service of thanksgiving, alongside participating in the ‘Big Help Out’, and other local celebrations. Guidance and resources will be sent to all dioceses and parishes in the coming weeks.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church is taking steps to plant more trees on its land in rural areas.

During 2021 the Church Commissioners planted approximately 2 million trees across their land holdings. In 2021 the Commissioners also purchased land in Wales with the intention of establishing a new woodland of c.85,000 new trees (subject to the grant of planting permissions).

Across the land portfolio the Commissioners have conducted numerous woodland reviews assessing opportunities for new planting schemes, creating wildlife corridors. Via the implementation of environmental land management schemes farm tenants are planting more hedgerows and the Commissioners are encouraging the inclusion of in-hedge trees.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, in what way cathedrals are supporting community cohesion in communities they serve.

First and foremost cathedrals are places of worship, but like parish churches they are also community buildings and often a focus for civic gatherings of faith, political and business leaders in our cities, which facilitate discussions for the common good. They are regularly used for pilgrimages, festivals, concerts, exhibitions and lectures, which are open to all in the community.

The 2021 report by the Association of English Cathedrals (Economic Social Impacts of England’s Cathedrals) put the combined economic value of cathedrals at approximately £235 million in local spending per year

Some examples of community cohesion projects include:

  • Bradford Cathedral‘s Faiths Trail, which offers opportunities to link visitors to worship spaces in the city, including the cathedral, a mosque, a Hindu temple and a gurdwara.
  • In Birmingham Cathedral a new Common Wealth table installation in the grounds has been booked for cross-faith community conversations.
  • Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market attracts over 400,000 visitors annually, generating local employment and offering local craftspeople an opportunity to showcase their work.
  • St Edmundsbury Cathedral hosted a summer flower festival this year to celebrate 1,000 years of the Abbey at Bury St Edmunds, and has hosted an animatronic dinosaur, science and art activities during the school holidays, and film screenings and lectures.
  • Liverpool Cathedral held a charity abseil down its tower to support local initiatives with 800 people taking part. It has an annual sleepout to raise money for the Whitechapel Centre homeless project, hosts a community market and provides hospitality to the local community.
  • Gloucester Cathedral has recently employed a full-time member of staff as a Community Engagement Manager, reflecting the amount of outreach work the Cathedral does. It has run a regular breakfast club for the homeless twice a week since 2007. More recently, the cathedral has started a gardening group and a walking rugby group. The Cathedral also regularly exhibits the work of a formerly homeless photographer, to raise awareness of the level of homelessness in the city.
  • Leicester Cathedral has run a series of local community arts events in partnership with local schools.
  • Norwich Cathedral hosted ‘Dippy the Dinosaur’ this year, on loan from the Natural History Museum, and also regularly hosts art and music events for the county.

More details on the economic and social impact of England’s cathedrals are available in the Association of English Cathedrals Report: Economic Social Impacts of England’s Cathedrals

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to help support (a) family relationships, (b) parenting and (c) marriage.

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Families and Households is considering all aspects of this subject and will publish its report in early 2023. The Church of England’s support for families, parenting and marriage comes in many forms. Parishes offer:

  • early years groups and children’s clubs to support child development and provide parental support.
  • counselling and social support for those in need, such as work with foodbanks, credit unions and Citizens Advice to reduce the pressures of financial difficulty on relationships.
  • marriage guidance for couples wishing to marry, prior to the ceremony.
  • work with organisations such as Relate to offer relationship advice and support or counselling.
  • tackling loneliness in the young and old, by visiting people in care homes and hospitals, and by providing spaces for groups, clubs and societies to meet.

Nationally the Church of England provides resources to clergy and couples considering marriage through the ‘Your Church Wedding’ website: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/your-church-wedding This gives advice for couples at all stages of marriage preparation.

Marrying in the local church remains one of the most cost-effective ways of having a relationship recognised in law and costs around £550 (approved by Parliament). This fee can be reduced for pastoral reasons at the discretion of the local Incumbent.

The National Churches Trust report ‘House for Good’ has updated its estimates of the contribution of churches to their local community. The report estimates the national value of the Church’s work on counselling and mental health support at over £4.5million, work with youth groups and young people at an additional £1.8million, support with food and foodbanks at £36million and drug and alcohol support at £0.5million. The full update is available here: House of Good 2021

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to plan for long-term maintenance of its churches and cathedrals.

The Cathedral and Church Buildings team of the National Church Institutions (NCIs) are working closely with the cathedrals and major churches of the Church of England to evaluate the overall maintenance work required. The Church Commissioners are providing £11million in funding for 2023-25 to support a new “Buildings for Mission” programme to provide support, through dioceses, to local parishes with the challenges they face in maintaining their church buildings


The Church is grateful to the Government for its support for cathedrals and major churches during the pandemic when the Culture Recovery Fund made over £60.6m available to 582 parishes and cathedrals. The Church advocates for the continuation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, worth up to £42m a year, until a suitable alternative can be found. The NCIs are working closely with Government, heritage partners and philanthropic funders, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund in response to its recent strategic review.

The Church awaits the response of the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to the recommendations made by the Government’s independent review led by Bernard Taylor into the sustainability of Church buildings, which was published in 2017: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/english-churches-and-cathedrals-sustainability-review

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
14th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, by what proportion the number of ordinands in the Church of England has changed since 2016.

In 2016 there were 1,184 ordinands in total, including 476 ordinands starting training. In 2020 those figures had risen to 1,373 in total, including 591 starting training, the largest number in a generation.

The latest numbers, for 2021, show 1,276 in total, including 478 starting training, which is partly a result of the impact of Covid. There is an expectation that overall numbers will increase again.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
9th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to promote environmental, social and governance leadership in its investments.

The Church Commissioners Responsible Investment Team regularly engages with the companies in which they invest on environmental and social issues, and good governance. The Church Commissioners’ Stewardship report 2021 contains examples of work on impact investment, respect for the planet and respect for people: https://www.frc.org.uk/getattachment/8e8fdb87-6c32-4bf3-b549-e8209db00976/The-Church-Commissioners-for-England_Stewardship-report-2020.pdf The Commissioners are signatory members of the Financial Reporting Council, which has approved the report.

The Church Commissioners and other global investors are also acting to eliminate commodity-driven deforestation from their investment portfolios to drive progress towards a net zero, nature-positive economy. These investors make up the Finance Sector Deforestation Action (FSDA). Details can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/church-commissioners-and-other-investors-tackle-commodity-driven

More information about the Church Commissioners' work in responsible investment can be seen here: Responsible Investment | The Church of England

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
9th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to use environmentally=friendly farming methods in its agricultural land.

The Church Commissioners encourage existing farm tenants to adopt environmentally friendly farming practices across all their agricultural land. Throughout the year the Commissioners’ asset managers and agents have conducted meetings with their existing agricultural tenants to discuss various environmental opportunities, including hedgerow improvements, benefits of cover crops and other regenerative farming practices.

When re-letting farmland on the open market the Church Commissioners emphasise their net-zero ambitions and seek out tenants who adopt nature-friendly farming methods, via a vigorous tender process, farm letting particulars and updated farm business tenancies. The new tenancies include soil improvement clauses and requirements for landlord and tenant to work collaboratively on conducting carbon audits and environmental improvements such as hedgerow planting.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
8th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the church has taken recent steps to provide affordable and sustainable housing on its land.

The Church Commissioners are currently promoting land for approximately 30,000 new homes across England. Approximately 30% of these new homes will be classed as affordable. The Commissioners aim is to deliver high-quality new homes and employment opportunities within sustainable communities which support and enhance their local surroundings.

The Commissioners have recently appointed an Affordable Housing Asset Manager to increase the delivery of affordable housing across the portfolio, and have recently collaborated with a Housing Association to deliver ten affordable homes and three bungalows in a rural community known as Shepherdswell, near Dover in Kent.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the Church of England has taken to help support Ukrainian refugees.

The toolkit published on the Church of England website contains information for parishes and individuals seeking to respond and is updated regularly with the latest advice and guidance: https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/community-action/war-ukraine-responding

Numbers being hosted continue to rise. We are aware of particularly good models in the London and Canterbury dioceses, and other dioceses have partnered with Citizens UK, working collaboratively to deliver partnerships for hosting. Many churches are also working on welcome and education programmes, and community hubs.

The Church is also addressing concerns around the risk of exploitation and modern slavery facing Ukrainian refugees, through the work of the Clewer Initiative with national and diocesan safeguarding bodies.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England has had recent discussions with representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church on the conflict in Ukraine.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’ met online earlier in the year, and channels of communication remain open. A brief meeting took place between the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Russian Orthodox delegates at the World Conference of Churches Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany (31 August to 8 September 2022) where there was a robust exchange. The Archbishop of Canterbury also met with leaders of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

The Church continues to pray for an immediate ceasefire and a return to dialogue in order to secure a negotiated peace settlement. The Church calls on all parties to respect the principles of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and for the humane treatment of all prisoners of war.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to strengthen its parish ministry.

The Church Commissioners intend to distribute £1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025, up 30% from £930 million in the current three-year period, to support the Church’s mission and ministry, including through parishes across England. The core of the extra funding will be channelled into the revitalisation of parish and local ministry and go some way to continue enabling local parishes to serve their communities and the whole nation. The distributions will help fund dioceses’ plans by reaching more young and disadvantaged people, radically cutting the Church’s carbon footprint, and addressing issues of racial justice.

During the cost of living crisis, the Church Commissioners have worked with the Archbishops’ Council to provide £15 million for dioceses, both rural and urban, to help churches struggling to pay energy costs. The fund will help churches to remain as centres of worship and pastoral care and will also make a key difference in helping churches to continue opening their buildings for vital practical support for their communities over the winter through social action such as food banks and warm hubs.

Funding from the Church Commissioners has helped to enable the continued rise in the numbers of ordinands in training, who will be the parish clergy of the future, and the most recent data from the 2020 Ministry Statistics are available here: Ministry Statistics 2020 report . An updated document is in the process of being compiled.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have taken recent steps to help support the implementation of recommendations in the report entitled Bishop of Truro's independent review of FCDO support for persecuted Christians, published on 4 July 2022.

The Church of England is in regular contact with officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office regarding the implementation of the Bishop of Truro’s Review Recommendations and what further measures might be needed to support freedom of religion our belief for all. The Church of England offered support and advice in advance of the Ministerial on International Religious Freedom that the Government hosted in July 2022 and is assisting with follow up to the Ministerial.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps parish churches are taking to help (a) progress towards net zero and (b) increase biodiversity.

Parish churches are signing up to the Eco Church scheme, which asks them to consider how they manage their building and their carbon footprint, and how they manage their churchyard or other land around the church for the benefit of people and nature. It also asks them to integrate environmental issues into their worship and teaching, to join in with wider environmental issues in their community and beyond, and to challenge congregation members to take steps to reduce carbon and take care of the planet in their own lives.

As of October, over 4,000 CofE churches have signed up to the Eco Church scheme, 1,350 have reached bronze, just over 400 silver and 25 gold. Case studies can be seen here: Net Zero Carbon and Environmental case studies | The Church of England. Projects include replacing heating systems with heat pumps or direct electric heating, a community garden in urban Liverpool, and a wild flower garden in the space next to the graveyard in a Sheffield city church. Churches are also being encouraged to review how and when they put the heating on, good maintenance and wherever possible fixing draughts, to reduce overall energy use.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent steps the church commissioners have taken to help support parishes that are replacing (a) gas and (b) oil central heating equipment.

The Church of England’s Environment Programme has produced guidance for churches that are reviewing their heating, and webinars for advice, which can be seen at: Heating | The Church of England & Webinars on getting to net zero carbon | The Church of England

The Church Commissioners intend to distribute £1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025, up 30% from £930 million in the current three-year period, to support the Church’s mission and ministry, including through parishes across England. The core of the extra funding will be channelled into the revitalisation of parish and local ministry and go some way to continue enabling local parishes to serve their communities and the whole nation. The distributions will help fund dioceses’ plans by reaching more young and disadvantaged people, addressing issues of racial justice, and radically cutting the Church’s carbon footprint. By providing help for net zero programmes, and access to experts in renewable heating advice, parishes will be helped with their plans to replace gas and oil heating systems.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on making an assessment of freedom of religion and belief in China.

Bishops and officials of the Church of England regularly engage with Ministers and officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on a range of thematic and geographic concerns regarding freedom of religion or belief, which include the human rights situation in China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Bishops in the House of Lords regularly raise concerns about the same through questions to Government. Details of these can be seen at:

Nigeria: Nigeria – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Democratic Republic of Congo: The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

China: China – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Most recently on 17th November the Bishop of St Albans led a debate in the House of Lords on allegations of human rights abuses in China.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on taking steps to help tackle violence against Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Bishops and officials of the Church of England regularly engage with Ministers and officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on a range of thematic and geographic concerns regarding freedom of religion or belief, which include the human rights situation in China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Bishops in the House of Lords regularly raise concerns about the same through questions to Government. Details of these can be seen at:

Nigeria: Nigeria – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Democratic Republic of Congo: The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

China: China – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Most recently on 17th November the Bishop of St Albans led a debate in the House of Lords on allegations of human rights abuses in China.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Nov 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church Commissioners have had recent discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on taking steps to help tackle (a) violence against and (b) the abduction of Christians in Nigeria in the last 18 months.

Bishops and officials of the Church of England regularly engage with Ministers and officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on a range of thematic and geographic concerns regarding freedom of religion or belief, which include the human rights situation in China, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria. Bishops in the House of Lords regularly raise concerns about the same through questions to Government. Details of these can be seen at:

Nigeria: Nigeria – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Democratic Republic of Congo: The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

China: China – The Church of England in Parliament (churchinparliament.org)

Most recently on 17th November the Bishop of St Albans led a debate in the House of Lords on allegations of human rights abuses in China.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
28th Oct 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Commissioners are taking to help ensure rural parishes are supported in providing assistance to parishioners in need.

The Church Commissioners intend to distribute £1.2 billion between 2023 and 2025, up 30% from £930 million in the current three-year period, to support the Church’s mission and ministry, including through parishes across England. The core of the extra funding will be channelled into the revitalisation of parish and local ministry and go some way to continue enabling local parishes to serve their communities and the whole nation. The distributions will help fund dioceses’ plans by reaching more young and disadvantaged people, radically cutting the Church’s carbon footprint, and addressing issues of racial justice.

In addition, during the cost of living crisis, the Church Commissioners have worked with the Archbishops’ Council to provide £15 million for dioceses, both rural and urban, to help churches struggling to pay energy costs. The fund will help churches to remain as centres of worship and pastoral care and will also make a key difference in helping churches to continue opening their buildings for vital practical support for their communities over the winter through social action, such as food banks and warm hubs.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church of England will provide funding for disability access improvements to churches in the Strangford constituency where there is a lack of parish funding.

As the Strangford constituency is in the Province of Armagh of the Church of Ireland I regret I am unable to assist. The Church of England has recently updated its own guidance, which is available here: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/Equal_Access_to_Church_Buildings.pdf

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church of England will consider the potential merits of providing ringfenced funding to support Christians to self sustain overseas if they are denied employment due to their belief.

No one should be denied employment on grounds of their Christian beliefs save in the most limited and legitimate circumstances, such as under a genuine occupational requirement. The Church of England comprises many different charitable bodies, each of which has its own charitable purposes. Each body would need to consider whether the provision of such support furthered its objects and came within its powers. There is a difference between support for Christians generally and the promotion of the work and mission of the Church of England, which is the purpose of the national Church. For this reason, the national Church has no plans to provide such support.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church of England will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing the use of parish halls free of charge for (a) English classes for Ukrainian refugees and (b) community hubs for rurally based Ukrainians to meet.

There are a number of such welcome hub initiatives already taking place in church premises. The decision to waive or reduce fees for use of premises is at the discretion of the Parochial Church Council or relevant management committee.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
18th Oct 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if the Church of England will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing accommodation on their land for people aged 55 and over with shared values.

The Church of England’s Social Impact Investment Programme has committed £2m towards the second Social and Sustainable Housing Fund [SASH II] managed by Social and Sustainable Capital. SASH II seeks to enable charities and social sector organisations to acquire and own portfolios of property so that they can provide a combination of high quality housing and targeted support to vulnerable people. More information can be found here: Church of England commits £2m to enable charities to purchase housing to support vulnerable people | The Church of England

The Archbishops’ Housing Commission made recommendations to the Church and Government about building new communities and the future use of land. An example is St Bride’s Church in Trafford, which worked with Trafford Housing Trust (THT) to release land that was used to build a new church and the Limelight Centre: 81 extra-care apartments for over 55 year-olds and a new expanded community centre. The full report from the Commission can be found here: Archbishops Housing Commission

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
7th Sep 2022
To ask the President of COP26, with reference to the Global Forest Finance pledge announced on 2 November 2021 at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, if he will take steps to help establish an oversight body including indigenous peoples and local communities to ensure the money committed in that pledge is delivered to those communities.

The signing of the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use by 145 world leaders committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Alongside this political commitment, an ambitious policy package was announced. Specifically, 12 donor countries pledged to provide $12 billion (£8.75 billion) of public climate finance from 2021 to 2025 to a new Global Forest Finance Pledge (GFFP); the UK convened a $1.7 billion public and private donor pledge to advance Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ (IPLC) forest tenure rights; and 33 financial institutions committed to eliminate investment in activities linked to deforestation.

On point 6, the UK is developing tools to drive transparency in the financial sector, including requirements for UK financial institutions to have a robust transition plan setting out how they will decarbonise as the UK meets its ambitious and legally binding net zero targets. The UK also actively supports the Taskforce on Nature Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), including £2.8m of funding for the development of a framework for corporates and financial institutions to assess, manage and report on their dependencies and impacts on nature.

There was a recent call for evidence regarding updating the green finance strategy, which closed in June 2022. This included questions regarding deforestation. We are in the process of analysing the responses to the call for evidence and will reflect on them, alongside other sources of evidence, including the Global Resource Initiative’s (GRI) finance report.

To ensure the money committed in the Pledge is delivered to these communities, a report on the progress of the GFFP will be presented by COP27. The UK is a leading member of the donor coordination group to advance IPLC pledge commitments and report on progress by COP27. The UK will continue to work with donors to ensure pledged funds are delivered to local communities and indigenous peoples.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
7th Sep 2022
To ask the President of COP26, with reference to point 6 of the Glasgow Leader's Declaration on Forests and Land Use which committed signatories to facilitate the alignment of financial flows with international goals to reverse forest loss and degradation, what steps the Government plans to take to implement that commitment.

The signing of the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use by 145 world leaders committed to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. Alongside this political commitment, an ambitious policy package was announced. Specifically, 12 donor countries pledged to provide $12 billion (£8.75 billion) of public climate finance from 2021 to 2025 to a new Global Forest Finance Pledge (GFFP); the UK convened a $1.7 billion public and private donor pledge to advance Indigenous Peoples’ and local communities’ (IPLC) forest tenure rights; and 33 financial institutions committed to eliminate investment in activities linked to deforestation.

On point 6, the UK is developing tools to drive transparency in the financial sector, including requirements for UK financial institutions to have a robust transition plan setting out how they will decarbonise as the UK meets its ambitious and legally binding net zero targets. The UK also actively supports the Taskforce on Nature Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), including £2.8m of funding for the development of a framework for corporates and financial institutions to assess, manage and report on their dependencies and impacts on nature.

There was a recent call for evidence regarding updating the green finance strategy, which closed in June 2022. This included questions regarding deforestation. We are in the process of analysing the responses to the call for evidence and will reflect on them, alongside other sources of evidence, including the Global Resource Initiative’s (GRI) finance report.

To ensure the money committed in the Pledge is delivered to these communities, a report on the progress of the GFFP will be presented by COP27. The UK is a leading member of the donor coordination group to advance IPLC pledge commitments and report on progress by COP27. The UK will continue to work with donors to ensure pledged funds are delivered to local communities and indigenous peoples.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
5th Sep 2022
To ask the President of COP26, whether he has had discussions with representatives of the devolved Assemblies on sharing expertise on investment in (a) hydrogen and (b) renewable energy.

COP26 Devolved Administrations Ministers Meetings, chaired by the COP President, have formally convened five times. The COP President uses these meetings to consult devolved administration Ministers on a wide range of issues.

Domestic Energy Policy remains the responsibility of the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). With support from the devolved administrations, BEIS has established an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) that covers Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change. This brings together Ministers from the four administrations to discuss emission reduction efforts across the UK.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
19th Jul 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent assessment her Department has made of the prevalence of religion and belief discrimination in the workplace.

The prevalence of any alleged discrimination by employers because of religion or belief is not routinely monitored by government. However, there are clear provisions set out in the Equality Act 2010 which prevent employers from discriminating against an employee, or a prospective employee, because of religion or belief (including any lack of religion or belief).

The Government sponsors the Equality Advisory & Support Service, which is a free service offering help and advice to anyone who feels that they have suffered discrimination, and the EASS statistics for contacts to the service relating to religion or belief discrimination within employment over the last five years are:

YearNumber of contacts% of all contacts to the service
20181500.83%
20191790.97%
20201100.71%
20211931.17%
2022 (to date)590.84%

The year 2021 saw an increase in contacts, partly due to a number of people claiming that it was their philosophical belief to object to having a vaccination against Covid. Such concerns would be registered by the service under the ‘religion or belief’ protected characteristic category.

Amanda Solloway
Government Whip, Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury
6th Jul 2022
To ask the President of COP26, whether he has had recent discussions with (a) the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and (b) Ministers in the devolved institutions on (i) sharing expertise and (ii) increasing investment in (A) hydrogen and (B) renewable energy technologies.

As the chair of the Climate Action Implementation Committee, the COP President meets regularly with Cabinet colleagues and Ministers, as well as with representatives of the Devolved Administrations on an ad hoc basis, to discuss how the UK can accelerate its transition to a low-carbon economy.

The UK Government is committed to achieving a fully decarbonised power system by 2035, and technologies including renewables and hydrogen energy will be critical to delivering on that ambition.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
29th Jun 2022
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church Commissioners have had with Christians Against Poverty on protecting Christians from persecution.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK-based debt advice charity independent of the Church of England. Staff of the National Church Institutions have held discussions with CAP but these have not been on the protection of Christians from persecution.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
20th Jun 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, if she will hold discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on (a) the impact on women of waiting times for the diagnosis of and (b) the potential merits of additional funding for the training of specialists in endometriosis.

Equalities Ministers have regular discussions with other Ministers across government on a range of issues, including women’s health.

We have invested £520 million to improve access to general practitioners (GPs) during the pandemic. This is in addition to £1.5 billion in 2020 to create an additional 50 million GP appointments by 2024, which will improve access for patients with endometriosis. The NHS has also published the Delivery Plan for Tackling the COVID-19 Backlog of Elective Care which sets out a clear vision for how the NHS will recover and expand elective services over the next three years.

On 23 December 2021, the Department of Health and Social Care published ‘Our Vision for the Women’s Health Strategy for England’, which sets out ambitions to improve the health and wellbeing of women in England and reduce disparities. The Women’s Health Strategy will be published later this year.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
16th Jun 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what steps the Government is taking to play a leading in role in delivering on the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forest and Land Use.

The UK Presidency is continuing to lead international collaboration on Forest and Land Use, building on progress made at COP26. We held an international ministerial meeting on 1 June in Stockholm and we are continuing to work with countries that have endorsed the Declaration to gather views on implementation. We are creating a space for countries that are actively engaged in accelerating progress on the GLD to drive momentum and collectively address shared challenges.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
14th Mar 2022
To ask the President of COP26, what recent discussions he has had with his Chinese counterpart on tackling climate change.

I have regular discussions with China’s Special Climate Envoy, Xie Zhenhua. We last spoke on the 16 February about the need for all countries to deliver on the commitments in the Glasgow Climate Pact.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
21st Jan 2022
To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to (a) raise awareness of and (b) tackle the matter of sexual harassment of young women in the workplace.

Every woman should be able to live without fear of harassment or violence in the workplace as much as anywhere else. In July 2021, as part of our strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, the Government announced a new package of measures which will strengthen protections for those affected by harassment at work.

We will introduce a new duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as explicit protections against harassment by third parties. We are also supporting the Equality and Human Rights Commission to develop a statutory Code of Practice on workplace harassment, as well as preparing our own practical guidance for employers on preventing this issue.

In addition, the Government will be shortly launching a communications campaign to raise awareness and challenge behaviours that constitute violence against women and girls, including workplace harassment.

The steps we are taking will not only raise awareness of the nature and prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace, but also motivate employers to prioritise prevention and ultimately improve workplace practices and culture.

Kemi Badenoch
President of the Board of Trade
30th Nov 2021
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support teachers and education.

The Church of England has invested substantial resource in supporting the development of teachers and education.

At a diocesan level, every diocese has an Education team which provides training and support for the 4,600 Church of England schools across England.

At a national level the Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership has invested in peer support leadership networks in which over 1,200 schools participate. These cover a variety of subjects important to education and also offer support for addressing mental health and well-being, grief, trauma and other issues that have been particularly important through the pandemic. The Church of England Foundation for Educational Leadership also provides excellent leadership development programmes and the Church of England is one of 9 national providers of National Professional Qualifications, offering the suite of NPQs to ensure CPD for staff in Church of England, catholic and community school is prioritised. These NPQs are fully funded for all teachers in all state schools in England and are a brilliant opportunity for teachers and schools to benefit from high quality coaching, support and CPD.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
30th Nov 2021
To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church has made of where persecution of religion and belief is most concerning.

Government restrictions on religion or belief have increased globally in recent years as have societal hostilities. Studies undertaken by the Pew Research Centre indicate that the level of religious restrictions is highest in the Middle East-North Africa region, but that some of the biggest increases in religious restrictions over the past decade have occurred in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, while the levels of social hostilities towards religion or belief norms have increase most in the Americas, Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

Andrew Selous
Second Church Estates Commissioner
24th Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what plans he has to make representations to his Chinese counterpart on tackling climate change.

The Glasgow Climate Pact is a historic agreement. We have a roadmap to keep 1.5°C alive but this is based on commitments made and relies on concerted and dedicated delivery by all countries. We will continue to demonstrate strong UK leadership over our Presidency year to make sure promises are kept and delivered to the highest standards, working with parties and civil society partners to advance rapid progress.

Leading up to and at COP26, I held regular discussions with China’s Special Climate Envoy, Xie Zhenhua, and I look forward to continuing to work with China throughout the UK’s COP26 Presidency to implement and build on the pledges China has made this year.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)
22nd Nov 2021
To ask the President of COP26, what steps he plans to take to help ensure that China is held accountable for the adequacy of its response to climate change.

The Glasgow Climate Pact is a historic agreement. We have a roadmap to keep 1.5°C alive but this is based on commitments made and relies on concerted and dedicated delivery by all countries. We will continue to demonstrate strong UK leadership over our Presidency year to make sure promises are kept and delivered to the highest standards, working with parties and civil society partners to advance rapid progress.

Leading up to and at COP26, I held regular discussions with China’s Special Climate Envoy, Xie Zhenhua, and I look forward to continuing to work with China throughout the UK’s COP26 Presidency to implement and build on the pledges China has made this year.

Alok Sharma
COP26 President (Cabinet Office)