Churches: Reopening of Buildings Debate

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Department: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Lord Singh of Wimbledon

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Schools: Arts Teaching

Churches: Reopening of Buildings

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Excerpts

Parliament: Restoration and Renewal Project
Wednesday 22nd July 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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I certainly will. The move by all faith communities towards online worship has been simply incredible. In fact, it has enabled them to reach further into communities and it is to be commended.

Lord Singh of Wimbledon Portrait Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB) [V]
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My Lords, discussions with the Minister confirm that the Government are concerned with the safety of all faiths. The attached risks to BAME communities are greater and there are important differences in the manner of worship, proximity of worshippers and layout of buildings. Will the Minister confirm that all these factors should be considered in government advice?

Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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My Lords, the government advice as published provides a framework for places of worship, including gurdwaras, to open safely, and of course it is down to local decision-making to work within that framework.

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