Oral Answers to Questions

Shaun Davies Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Marsha De Cordova]

The closure of the Holy Sepulchre by the Israeli Government was totally unacceptable. It was an unprecedented step, and representations by all Churches were made at the highest level. The treatment of pilgrims and worshippers by the Israel Defence Forces, and the additional movement restrictions across both western and Orthodox Easter, were deplorable, particularly in what is the holiest of weeks.

[Shaun Davies (Telford) (Lab)]

2. What steps the Church is taking to support the provision of activities for children and young people in communities.

[Marsha De Cordova]

Parishes across England run tens of thousands of community projects, including parent and toddler groups, holiday clubs, and breakfast and after-school provision. Under its vision 2020 strategy, the Church of England aims to double the number of children and young people in congregations by 2030. This is backed by £236 million over three years to support youth opportunities, particularly in low-income communities.

[Shaun Davies]

In Telford, the Church—through Rev. Laura Lenander at Telford Minster, Rev. Andy Ackroyd at St Michael’s church and Rev. Jo Farnworth at St Leonard’s church—plays a key role in supporting families, including by offering pastoral support and providing spaces for volunteers. What more will the Church do to support these churches and parishes in fast-growing areas such as Telford?

[Marsha De Cordova]

I express my thanks to all the churches in my hon. Friend’s constituency for their work in supporting families and young people in Telford, and I especially congratulate Rev. Laura Lenander, Rev. Jo Farnworth and Rev. Andy Ackroyd. By opening their facilities throughout the week, they provide safe and welcoming spaces where young people can receive support and build strong relationships, demonstrating that the church is at the heart of its community. I am pleased to learn that Rev. Jo Farnworth has been made the independent chair of the South Telford Pride in Place programme, and I look forward to hearing more about the work it is doing in the area.