Asked by: Lord Bishop of Leeds (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask His Majesty's Government which means of communication are mandatory for constituents affected by boundary changes; and what assessment they have made of how effective these processes have been in ensuring constituents in affected constituencies are informed in advance of any such changes.
Answered by Baroness Penn - Minister on Leave (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State)
During a boundary review, the four independent Boundary Commissions must take such steps as they see fit to inform the public in each of the proposed constituencies of their proposals, and to make a copy of the proposals open to public inspection within the proposed constituency. The Boundary Commissions are required to hold three periods of public consultation which includes holding public hearings. The Boundary Commissions are required to publish their final reports.
The conduct of the boundary review within this statutory framework is a matter for the four independent Boundary Commissions.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Leeds (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of freedom of religion or belief in Ukraine; and what discussions they have had with the government of Ukraine about its decision to introduce in October draft legislation seeking to amend Ukrainian law on freedom of conscience and religious organisations.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are deeply disturbed by the impact of Russia's illegal war on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Ukraine. This includes widespread destruction of religious sites, and the imposition of restrictive Russian laws in the temporarily controlled territories. The UK is tracking the development of Ukraine's draft law and continues to encourage our Ukrainian partners to ensure that the law is fully aligned with Ukraine's FoRB commitments. We are clear that the only way to restore the full enjoyment of FoRB in Ukraine is for Russia to end its invasion and withdraw its troops.
Asked by: Lord Bishop of Leeds (Bishops - Bishops)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government, following the US Senate’s decision to appoint a Presidential envoy to Sudan, given the current security situation in that country, what plans they have to appoint a special envoy to Sudan.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.