Charities: Advancement of Religion

Debate between Lord Griffiths of Burry Port and Baroness Twycross

Wednesday 26th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

It would be a brave Minister who decided which religious teaching we should prioritise above another. I will say that we have a proud tradition of religious freedom in this country, but those rights extend to everyone, and we condemn acts of violence against women and girls. Noble Lords will have heard from my noble friend’s answers on the previous Question that we are clear that we want the Charity Commission to have the power it needs, and we will consult in due course on new powers that will enable it to deal with this issue.

[Lord Griffiths of Burry Port (Lab)]

My Lords, having spent the whole of my professional life combating those who, in the name of religion, promote misogyny, sexism or violence against women, I hope the questioner will agree that the highest values, both of religion and of humanism, are conjoined in the effort to suppress, marginalise and deal with all these aberrations. Does the Minister agree?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

All charities should be safe spaces for everyone: employees, volunteers and members of the public. I agree that, at their best, our values, across all religions and those who have no religion, would uphold the freedom of individuals as well as our collective responsibility to one another.

BBC Sounds: Access from Abroad

Debate between Lord Griffiths of Burry Port and Baroness Twycross

Wednesday 14th May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

As I mentioned, the BBC is operationally independent. It is important for the BBC and our journalism that it is operationally independent of the Government. However, as I previously mentioned, I welcome the BBC’s commitment to keep BBC Sounds available internationally until access arrangements to other BBC stations for international listeners are confirmed. As I mentioned in a previous response, Radio 4, the World Service and the BBC’s journalism will still be free throughout the world at bbc.com.

[Lord Griffiths of Burry Port (Lab)]

My Lords, I indeed remember 1956, which I am sure is a surprise to most Members looking at me at this moment. For the benefit of all of us, I ask the Minister what discussions, if any, have taken place with the Israeli Government that might allow correspondents to operate from within Gaza.

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I will discuss that issue with FCDO colleagues and write to my noble friend.