Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what lessons the Church has learned from the case of John Smyth QC.

The Church of England commissioned the Makin Review into the historic abuse surrounding John Smyth, which was published 7th November 2024 and can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/press-releases/independent-review-churchs-handling-smyth-case-published

Following the publication of the Makin Review, a task and finish group was established, which most recently produced a progress report for the February meeting of the General Synod. https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2025-11/gs-misc-1433-makin-task-and-finish-interim-report_0_0.pdf

The work in this area remains a high priority and is regularly reviewed. It is expected to publish its next progress report ahead of the July 2026 sitting of the General Synod.