Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they regularly meet the Roman Catholic hierarchy of England and Wales to discuss public policy issues.

As Minister for Faith I meet with members of the Catholic hierarchy in the course of my work. In March 2017 I met the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols. In November 2016 I visited St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth, in March 2017 St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle upon Tyne and, in July 2017, the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral to learn about the excellent work these cathedrals do to support their communities.

I plan to visit more Catholic places of worship in the coming year. The Government wholeheartedly supports the invaluable work being done by people around the country who are inspired by their faith and we are making sure that the voices of people of faith are heard in Government, as is appropriate.