Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Places of Worship: Covid-19

Monday 5 October 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Places of worship can open for more than six people with existing covid-secure requirements.
  • Taskforce meetings have been held with mosque representatives to outline safe reopening guidelines.
  • Places of worship can apply to the 200 million coronavirus community support fund for financial assistance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Spellar Lab
Community Security
Context

The question arises from concerns about how to safely reopen religious institutions while maintaining public health guidelines.

Question

What steps his Department has taken to help places of worship open safely during the covid-19 outbreak?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Ensuring places of worship can reopen and remain open has been a priority. Places of worship are open for more than six people with existing covid-secure requirements continuing to apply.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or financial support details requested.

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Q2 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Community Security
Context

Rising Islamophobia during the pandemic has affected Muslim communities, including concerns about safe reopening of mosques.

Question

During this pandemic we have seen a sharp spike in Islamophobia... can he outline what discussions he has had with the MCB and other Muslim organisations on the safe reopening of mosques?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

We have worked closely with mosques through a places of worship taskforce, meeting representatives including from the London Central Mosque to thank them for their forbearance and putting in place detailed guidelines for safe reopening.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific discussions or details about MCB involvement.

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Q3 John Spellar Lab
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Concerns about the costs and challenges faced by religious institutions in making premises safe and operational.

Question

However, they face their own challenges in making their premises safe for their worshippers... is it engaging with them regularly to ensure that this can be effectively implemented?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

We have worked closely through a taskforce, recognising the importance of faith communities. Detailed guidelines are in place for all religions, with examples like Yom Kippur guidelines.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on direct financial support or regular engagement mechanisms.

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Q4 Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Community Security
Context

Mosques have incurred costs such as PPE and deep cleaning, with limited funds from the Muslim Council of Britain.

Question

What action is the Secretary of State taking to financially support places of worship to reopen in a covid-secure way?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

Places of worship can apply to the £200 million coronavirus community support fund, which has helped organisations providing essential services during the crisis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific actions or financial measures directly aimed at mosques.

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