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The Lords Spiritual (Women) Bill
14 November 2024
Lead MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds
Debate Type
Bill Debate
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Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
Nick Thomas-Symonds raised concerns about the lords spiritual (women) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves that the Bill be read a Second time. The Bill seeks to extend by five years the arrangements for appointing female bishops as Lords Spiritual under the 2015 Act. It aims to ensure representation of women in Church leadership continues in the House of Lords until at least 2030, consolidating positive changes that have occurred since 2015.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Asks about discussions with the Church regarding increasing diversity among potential bishops to ensure a wider pool of people for appointment to the House of Lords.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Expresses support for the straightforward nature of the Bill, which extends the 2015 Act by five years. Asks the Paymaster General when he expects this legislation to no longer be necessary and confirms why the timeframe of 2030 has been selected.
Battersea
Supports the Bill, highlighting contributions of women bishops like Libby Lane and Rachel Treweek. Emphasises that the Bill will push for more diversity in the Lords Spiritual.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Supports the extension of the Act to ensure significant female representation among the Lords Spiritual. Calls for broader reform of the House of Lords and highlights the importance of gender parity.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Welcomed progress made in voting for the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill. Highlighted the importance of consecrating more female bishops and reflecting that composition in the other Chamber. Recognised the work of Bishop Libby Lane, the first woman bishop from Stockport who served as a Lord Spiritual.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
Expressed gratitude for her predecessors and their contributions. Described South East Cornwall's economy, culture, and challenges. Emphasised the importance of supporting local industries such as farming and fishing, improving transport links, and preserving natural environments.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Complimented the speech of Anna Gelderd for its authenticity and power. Did not explicitly state a position on the bill or amendments.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Praised speeches by members of Labour, noting mentions of female bishops as trailblazers. Mentioned the importance of local food traditions such as pasties.
Erith and Thamesmead
The Minister supports extending for another five years the arrangements agreed in 2015 to address gender imbalance on the Benches of Lords Spiritual. She acknowledges the progress made since then but believes an extension is reasonable and proportionate to ensure continued progress. The Bill seeks to improve female representation among bishops, which is crucial for diversity in the Church.
Anna Gelderd
Lab
South East Cornwall
She shared a personal story about her grandfather and mother, highlighting the need to break down barriers. She supports the progress made by women in the Church and acknowledges the importance of female representation.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
He spoke passionately about the first female bishop, Libby Lane, who was made Bishop of Stockport in 2015. He emphasises the importance of diversity and under-represented groups.
Battersea
She discusses her role as Second Church Estates Commissioner and highlights the importance of female representation, particularly in the Church. She emphasises the need for diversity among under-represented groups.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
She asks why a five-year timeframe has been selected and inquires about wider reforms. She recognises the narrow nature of this Bill but seeks broader reform measures.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
He supports the Minister's commitment to reforming the House of Lords. He asks for timescales on broader reforms, emphasising the importance of representation.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
He suggests that retired bishops, particularly female bishops, could be drawn from Cross-Bench peers to contribute to public life through the appointments process.
Christopher Vince
Lab Co-op
Harlow
He pays tribute to Rev. Jokey Poyntz, a representative in his constituency who supported residents during the pandemic and continues to champion the community.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Valerie Vaz supports the Bill's emphasis on women’s representation in various levels of leadership. She acknowledges the pioneering roles played by Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Reverend Tricia Hillas, highlighting their contributions to Parliament as Speaker’s Chaplains and advocating for further progress.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Tom Hayes briefly intervened to request speaking time from Valerie Vaz but no substantive argument or position is provided in the given text.
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