Oral Answers to Questions

Karl McCartney Excerpts
Thursday 15th October 2020

(3 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Karl McCartney Portrait Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)
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What recent discussions the Commissioners have had with Government Ministers on covid-19 attendance restrictions for baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Andrew Selous Portrait The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Andrew Selous)
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The Government have kept in constant touch with the Church of England, all denominations and all faiths throughout the pandemic. Dioceses, parishes and cathedrals are quickly notified of any changes to law or guidance.

Karl McCartney Portrait Karl MᶜCartney [V]
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I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, but how can we ensure that we do not put any further restrictions on baptisms, weddings and funerals? Does my hon. Friend agree that those ceremonies must be supported and that we cannot have another six months of cancellations?

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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I strongly agree with my hon. Friend. I am very pleased that baptisms, weddings and funerals can continue in some form in all three covid alert tiers. I am pleased that the Government recognise the huge significance of those services in people’s lives.