Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisocial Behaviour and Drug-related Crime

Thursday 16 November 2023 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church of England recognises its duty of care towards staff and will do everything it can to protect and assist them, working with police and local authorities.
  • Parish churches offer support to those dealing with addiction, including reaching out to rough sleepers and tackling addiction issues.
  • The hon. Member did not provide specific steps dioceses could take to ensure safety despite the important work being done by parish churches.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Foster Con
Policing & Resources Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Churches in various parts of the country are facing antisocial behaviour and drug-related crimes, impacting both clergy and church buildings. This issue is prevalent where churches offer support to those struggling with addiction.

Question

Whether the Church of England is taking steps to support parishes experiencing antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime in and around church buildings.

Answer from Andrew Selous

The Church of England recognises its duty of care towards staff and will do everything it can to protect and assist them, working with police and local authorities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or measures taken by the Church of England

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

Clergy members offering support to individuals struggling with addiction face personal danger, as those involved in illegal activities see the churches' efforts as a threat.

Question

It is right that parish churches offer a beacon of hope and light to those going through the dark tunnel of addiction, reaching out the hand of Christian fellowship, but that can result in both clergy and church buildings being targeted by darker forces who see that as a threat to their trade. What further steps does my hon. Friend believe dioceses could take to ensure the personal safety of all involved?

Answer from Andrew Selous

The leadership and members of Paignton parish church are doing important work in supporting rough sleepers and tackling addiction, but the hon. Friend did not provide specific steps dioceses could take to ensure safety.

Not addressed: Shifted focus from protecting clergy and church buildings to praising the efforts of Paignton parish church

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email