Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Q2. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church of England is taking to support deprived communities. (907871)

Jessica Toale Preston Mr Speaker Marsha de Cordova. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The church remains a major investor in deprived communities and funding for periods of 2026 to 2028 has

10:17

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

reached a record 430 million, focusing on strengthening ministry and providing long term support for lowest income communities. And this is in addition to the £91 million already spent during the period between 2023 and 25, in dioceses, urban and post-industrial and urban and post-industrial and coastal communities. And just recently, Mr. Speaker, at the last General Synod meeting, it marked General Synod meeting, it marked the 40th anniversary of the landmark Faith in the city report into tackling structural deprivation.

10:17

Jessica Toale MP (Bournemouth West, Labour)

- -

Good job. Parkstone Community Pantry at Winton Christadelphian Church, supported by Fairshare and the sanctuary project at Saint Andrew's sanctuary project at Saint Andrew's Church in Kinson, which has a Trussell Trust supported food bank. Now both churches go out of their way to support our community members in need. So can the Commissioner join me in paying tribute to the churches and the volunteers? And will she outline what more they can do to support the cost of living and isolation in our communities?

10:18

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Marsha de Cordova. Mr. speaker, the churches are cornerstones of the churches are cornerstones of all of our communities and I want to congratulate the clergy, volunteers and congregation of volunteers and congregation of Saint Andrew's Church in Kingston and the Will Stone Christ Church for their hard work and contribution supporting the Community Pantry and the Sanctuary Project. Mr Speaker. Across the country, churches are delivering around 31,000 community projects, including 8000 food banks, 4000 parent and carer groups, 5000 lunch clubs and 3000 community cafes.

These programs offer practical support, companionship and advice to those facing hardship, demonstrating the church's ongoing commitment to serving and standing with all of our communities nationwide.

10:19

Lincoln Jopp MP (Spelthorne, Conservative)

- -

Lincoln Jopp. Thank you. Yeah >> Lincoln Jopp. Thank you. Yeah Church. >> In Shepperton, in my Spelthorne

**** Possible New Speaker ****

In Shepperton, in my Spelthorne constituency, made an application under the Listed Places of Worship scheme to get the VAT back 16 grand scheme to get the VAT back 16 grand on essential repairs that they have made, and they got an auto reply saying that the scheme has been used up and and there's no money left. So will the on behalf of the Church Commissioners, could they please entreaty the government to look again at this application and see whether we can get the VAT reclaim made?

10:19

Q3. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church has made of the potential implications for its policies of trends in levels of church attendance during Christmas 2025. (907872)

I'm not quite sure it's relevant, actually. Yeah. Don't worry. Well, actually. Yeah. Don't worry. Well, let's move on. Douglas McAllister,

**** Possible New Speaker ****

please, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Whilst the church, whilst church attendance statistics whilst church attendance statistics for 2025 are still being collated, early indications suggest that an increase in attendance at Advent and Christmas services. Indeed, churches have reported fuller congregations for services, congregations for services, especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and this is consistent with the upward seasonal consistent with the upward seasonal patterns seen over the recent years.

10:20

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Long term trends suggest a decline in regular weekly church attendance. However, there was a rise in church attendance across the UK this Christmas and I enjoyed visits to various churches in West Dunbartonshire, not least the Hope Community Church in Clydebank and Dalmuir Barclay Church. Can I ask the Second Church Estates Commissioner? Christmas and Easter are often the two occasions when people consider attending church. people consider attending church. What can the church do to attract new worshippers? As we approach Easter? Mr.

10:20

Douglas McAllister MP (West Dunbartonshire, Labour)

- -

I want.

10:20

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

To thank my hon. Friend for his question. As I said, anecdotal evidence does suggest that evidence does suggest that attendance is growing, especially in urban areas and among young people. Now, the Church of England people. Now, the Church of England is producing a large number of resources for major festivals in addition to their regular everyday faith app. Do download if you haven't an online services the church already has now. Also, the church is producing a variety of resources for the Lent and Easter period, including booklets and reflection activities at for individual groups.

And I would just encourage all colleagues across across the House, as we are in this lent season leading into Christmas. If you haven't already, do do consider visiting some of your local churches during this festive period.

10:21

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

- -

Jim Shannon. Speaker. Can I thank the hon. Lady for her response? The trends seem to indicate that amongst the generation Z, the the young people generation Z, the the young people coming through, there's a trend of upwards of attendance at churches, which is good news. We all know that the greatest story ever told is the birth of the Lord Jesus in December the 25th, and the fact that he was crucified and died for us to be. Forgive us our sins and get us to heaven.

That's a wonderful story. The hon. Lady knows that I know that. And did I think everybody in this House knows that. And we should be doing telling many people about that. But the trends seem to indicate an upward trend of attendance. Is that not good news for the greatest story ever told? Yeah.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Marsha de Cordova. I couldn't have put it better myself. Mr. speaker, it is the best

10:22

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

good news story that must be shared, and we will continue to lift up our voices and share that great story. >> That's awesome.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

That's awesome. Question number four, Mr. Speaker. I should declare the.

10:22

Q4. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support Christian communities in Palestine. (907873)

>> I should declare the. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And with your permission, I would like to group question four and seven. Now, despite the horrific and truly devastating situation in Palestine,

10:22

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Christian communities continue to be steadfast and resilient in the face of war and destruction. Last face of war and destruction. Last month, the bishops of Chelmsford, Gloucester and Norwich made a joint visit and their visit highlighted visit and their visit highlighted the severe pressures facing Christian communities across the region. Now, sadly, attacks and region. Now, sadly, attacks and intimidation continue, including the destruction of farms and olive groves, and the IDF and settler groves, and the IDF and settler militia attempted to shamefully obstruct pastoral visits made by the Archbishop of York to Christian families on the West Bank during his last visit.

Now we know that despite all these atrocities, it is so important that we continue to have long term engagement and supportive visits to this region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Israeli government's new visiting rules have halted much humanitarian work in Gaza. The Palestinian Church Committee has urgently appealed to churches worldwide to intervene so aid can continue, with local churches and faith based agencies

10:23

Kate Osamor MP (Edmonton and Winchmore Hill, Labour )

- -

stepping up their support. Can the Commissioner update us on how the church is strengthening this appeal church is strengthening this appeal and helping ensure Gaza is not left without vital assistance? Marsha de Cordova Mr. speaker, can I just commend my hon. Friend for being such a strong voice on this issue? such a strong voice on this issue? Now, the church shares the concerns about how the hostile new restrictions and and how that has

10:24

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

really disrupted humanitarian operations in Gaza, which are adversely affecting both church based agencies and also international aid programmes. The church continues to work closely with the Diocese of Jerusalem and partner agencies to ensure aid reaches those that most need it. Now, the Anglican presence in Gaza centres around the hospital which does significant which, sorry despite significant damage, remains one of the only functioning health facilities in north Gaza.

10:24

Patricia Ferguson MP (Glasgow West, Labour)

- -

Patricia Ferguson. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa, recently said in relation to Palestine that peace in relation to Palestine that peace and reconciliation are beautiful concepts, but they risk remaining mere slogans if they are not accompanied today by concrete actions, gestures and testimonies that physically demonstrate the possibility of rebuilding trust. Does the Commissioner agree with me that Christian churches are ideally placed to work with other faith communities to lead that rebuilding of trust going forward?

10:25

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Marsha de Cordova. >> Marsha de Cordova. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my hon. Friend really makes an important point because it's about important point because it's about how the church works across its faith based organisations to be the leaders really in terms of peace. leaders really in terms of peace. But I should say that the church does work closely with the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Anglican Communion agencies providing education, healthcare and employment across the region, other countries ensuring that there is cooperation across the entire Christian community.

And as I outlined in my earlier point, for example, in Gaza, the church is working with the Anglican Communion there in terms of their support for the Al Ahli Hospital, I would just also point out some of the work that they are doing in the West Bank, and this assistance is being delivered through the diocesan schools and the Princess Basma Centre, and also local health centres, but through financial support, advocacy and coordination with church, working hard to maintain medical care, humanitarian assistance and pastoral support for all Christians and Palestinians affected by this crisis.

10:26

Q5. To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps the Commission is taking to help improve Members' productivity through technology. (907874)

Number five Mr Speaker. >> Number five Mr Speaker. >> Nick Smith Mr Speaker members and their teams should be supported to manage and address the to manage and address the increasing volume and complexity of work being placed on us all. Managing email inboxes is a huge task. We all know Parliamentary Digital Services has been working with members to understand how we could harness technology to help us filter, prioritise and manage our correspondence, our casework. I know that the Parliamentary Digital Services are happy to further Services are happy to further support my hon.

Friend in that work.

10:26

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my hon. Friend for that. That answer and I believe that

10:27

Dame Chi Onwurah MP (Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, Labour)

- -

Parliament can and indeed must use AI to improve our productivity, but AI to improve our productivity, but it must be used securely, ethically, effectively and in the public interest. And with a poll by Brunel interest. And with a poll by Brunel University saying that 80% of the public reject the idea of AI public reject the idea of AI assisting parliamentarians or replacing our judgement, can I ask him what progress has been made on him what progress has been made on shaping Co-Pilot, which is the only AI we are allowed to use to reflect Parliament's priorities rather than Microsoft's, and specifically on the inbox management that I that I raised.

And he has mentioned Nick Smith.

10:27

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My hon. Friend is right to keep on raising this issue. The foundation of the guidance to members on the use of guidance to members on the use of AI is the need to have a human in the loop. The Parliamentary Digital Service is in ongoing discussions with Microsoft to shape the use of co-pilot to meet the member's needs. Our digital service must continue looking at the potential applications of AI to support all of our work.

So the co-pilot or another solution from elsewhere can be tested for all of our benefit. Can I also say to the hon. Member, if she wishes, she can join our committee the next time we meet the management team to look at how we can better support members.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Right Meg Hillier. Number six, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The

10:28

Q6. To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the Restoration and Renewal Client Board, what its planned timetable is for starting major works on the Palace of Westminster. (907875)

>> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Client Board recent report recommends a way forward for restoration and renewal. This

10:28

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

restoration and renewal. This contains phase one works, including seven years foundational works for the full program. These preparatory the full program. These preparatory works can begin once we have approval from both houses. A final decision on the preferred delivery option is required from both houses no later than 2030, and the main R&R works could begin in 2032.

10:29

Dame Meg Hillier MP (Hackney South and Shoreditch, Labour )

- -

Earlier. >> Mr. speaker, in modern. discussed. >> Since 2016. >> So we're on our 10th anniversary. Of discussing.

**** Possible New Speaker ****

Of discussing. This issue, which has actually been an issue for 40 years. And I disagree with the hon. Member for disagree with the hon. Member for Bridgend Hill, and the world's about going back to the drawing board again, and I wonder if my right hon. Friend has any idea of when the vote will be? Because if it's in 2030, that's after the next election, and I can see the same old argument about we have to revisit this being rehashed again and again.

Well, we have a building riddled with asbestos at risk of fire and something, frankly, that we want to work to begin. My staff and I will no longer be in the Yeah.

10:29

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Nick Smith Mr. speaker, can I wholeheartedly agree with my right hon. Friend? She's right. We must hon. Friend? She's right. We must make progress. We have these costed proposals ahead of us now. The work proposals ahead of us now. The work is necessary. We have an iconic building, home of the our Parliament, but is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. We currently spend £1.5 million a week maintaining and repairing the palace, and there is a considerable cost involved with every year of delaying delivery.

We must move forward. I hope the Leader of the House will let us know when we can have the discussion and debate on this important matter.

10:30

Q8. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church has made of the potential merits of issuing a formal apology to mothers and adoptees affected by the Church's involvement in historic forced adoptions. (907877)

Mr. swallow. >> Please, Mr. speaker. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Church of England has expressed heartfelt sorrow and regret for heartfelt sorrow and regret for anyone who has been hurt. The national national church institutions are engaging with a institutions are engaging with a range of stakeholders, including, and most importantly, those people who were directly affected.

10:30

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Tuesday, the Education Select Committee held a public evidence session on historic false adoptions and heard how over many decades, unmarried mothers were shamed and

10:30

Peter Swallow MP (Bracknell, Labour)

- -

coerced into giving up their babies for adoption, a practice driven by the policies of the state and the policies of the state and delivered by charities and religious organisations, including the Church of England. Do the the Church of England. Do the Church Commissioners agree that victims, mothers and adopted children are owed a full and formal children are owed a full and formal apology for the church for its from the church for its role in this scandal? I heard what my hon. scandal? I heard what my hon.

Friend said, but only a formal apology will begin to heal the wounds of this horrible scandal.

10:31

Marsha De Cordova MP (Battersea, Labour)

- -

Marsha de Cordova. >> Mr. speaker, the church recognises the profound pain experienced by many mothers adoptees affected by historic adoptees affected by historic forced adoption practices, and it is sobering to hear the accounts from mothers and their children whose lives have been adversely whose lives have been adversely affected by what happened to them in maternity homes, including those that are linked to the Church of England. But I just want to reiterate to my hon. Friend that the church has expressed its heartfelt sorrow and regret for any person that really has been impacted by this practice.

And I would just add to that, if my friend is willing, I'm very happy to meet with him.

10:32

Q9. To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, what assessment the Commission has made of the potential merits of prioritising schools who are furthest from Westminster for education visits to Parliament. (907878)

Jayne Kirkham question number nine, please, Mr. Speaker. >> Thanks, mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given her journey from Cornwall, I can quite understand why my hon. Friend quite understand why my hon. Friend asks this question. The Commission recently endorsed recommendations from our participation team to improve the school visit booking process and the use of our travel subsidy. Schools from her area will have extra time to apply. We want to encourage greater participation to encourage greater participation from schools furthest away from Westminster by increasing capacity through our education service.

10:32

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

Jayne Kirkham. from Westminster are going to be prioritised with time to apply for those parliamentary trips. It takes

10:32

Jayne Kirkham MP (Truro and Falmouth, Labour )

- -

six hours at least to get there for Cornish schools, which means they have to take a number of days in have to take a number of days in London, which is why their visits are rare and often in the summer term, when they interfere less with term, when they interfere less with formal exams. Could the chair confirm that children from remote and deprived areas will be helped to surmount those barriers, that to surmount those barriers, that they have to get them to this place here?

**** Possible New Speaker ****

here? Nick Smith Mr. speaker, the new booking process, which will be launched in September, will ensure that regions are allocated visit opportunities to ensure no region

10:33

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

- -

accesses more than their fair share. Consideration has been given to the circumstances of Battersea schools, those furthest away from Westminster who have a clear preference for summer term access preference for summer term access due to the long distances that they travel. The education team will wait and see visit opportunities to wait and see visit opportunities to favour summer term so that the booking opportunities best meet

**** Possible New Speaker ****

those schools needs. Brenda. Jess, number. Ten please. Mr. Speaker. Marsha de Cordova.

10:33

Q10. To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of the conflict in Sudan on the Christian population in that country. (907880)