House of Commons · General Debate
26 February 2026 · 2 other contributors
Opened by Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Peter Swallow raised concerns about church commissioners in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate centres on the historical forced adoptions practice, where unmarried mothers were shamed and coerced into giving up their babies for adoption. The Church of England played a significant role in these practices alongside state policies and charities. Peter Swallow emphasises that only a formal apology from the Church can begin to heal the wounds caused by this scandal.
Peter Swallow raises concerns about the impact of historical forced adoptions on mothers and adoptees. He highlights that the Education Committee heard testimonies of profound pain and trauma experienced by those affected, driven by policies supported by the Church of England.
Marsha de Cordova acknowledges the profound sorrow and regret expressed by the Church of England for its role in historical forced adoptions. She notes that the National Church Institutions are engaging with stakeholders affected directly but does not provide a definitive stance on issuing a formal apology.