Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Caroline Spelman and Nigel Evans

Thursday 26th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

Obviously it is open to the right hon. Gentleman’s diocese to follow the same process that the Hereford diocese has just undertaken, but the Church is active in this area with two initiatives. A pastoral advisory group has been set up—led by the Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman—to work on the development of pastoral practice within the Church’s existing teaching, and a major teaching document is being produced on marriage and sexuality.

[Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con)]

When so many gay people are being persecuted throughout the world, particularly in Commonwealth countries, does my right hon. Friend not believe that allowing gay people to marry in churches in this country would send the right signal?

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

An important step forward was made by the worldwide Anglican Church in accepting a new doctrine against homophobia, which is part of trying to stamp out such persecution across the wider Anglican communion.

Ash Dieback Disease

Debate between Caroline Spelman and Nigel Evans

Monday 12th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Spelman]

I am not going to give way again. Moreover, one might have expected the trade press to have expressed its concern on the front pages of its publications.

We all need to share some responsibility and to redouble our efforts to spot the disease. I applaud the volunteers who have helped with the unprecedented survey of our woods and trees. As my action plan stated, collaborative working—of landowners, industry, academia, civil society and Government—is required better to protect the health of our nation’s trees. We need to pull together, not against each other, in the fight for tree health.

[Mr Deputy Speaker]

There are 10 minutes left. Perhaps three and a bit minutes each, and then everybody will get in.