Oral Answers to Questions

Helen Goodman Excerpts

Thursday 9th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend raises an important point. I have been working with the Secretaries of State for Transport, for Business and for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that charging points are automatically included in new developments. But there is more that we must do to ensure that we have an infrastructure that allows us to move towards ultra low emissions vehicles as quickly as possible.

[Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

Contrary to what the Secretary of State said to me last week, the DEFRA main estimate says that the budget for peatland restoration is unchanged. I am not going to ask for an apology, but the Secretary of State knows that peat amounts to 10% of our carbon dioxide emissions, so when is he going to increase the measly £6 million budget?

[Michael Gove]

After a rebuke like that, I must do so as soon as possible.

--- Later in debate ---

The right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked—

[Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

7. What support the Church of England is offering to the Christian community in Sri Lanka in response to the recent terrorist attacks in that country.

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Dame Caroline Spelman)]

These were appalling and despicable attacks, and those affected were in the prayers of millions right around the world on Easter Sunday. The attacks were clearly directed at the Christian community in Sri Lanka, attacks not just in their churches but in secular environments such as hotels where they were having Easter Sunday lunch. The Anglican Church in Sri Lanka is small but active, and it is working closely with the Anglican communion to build its capacity in the local community and to better protect itself.

[Helen Goodman]

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for that answer. It is indeed tragic that 257 Christians were killed in the attacks directed at them on Easter Day. Everybody is entitled to freedom of religion and belief. Does she agree that the message we should send out from this House is that no faith sanctions conflict against another?

[Dame Caroline Spelman]

I entirely agree with the hon. Lady. I could not put it better myself.