The last few weeks have seen some internal changes for the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT). JPIT’s longstanding Team Leader, Rachel Lampard, has been seconded to lead a two-year project for the Methodist Church, looking at how the denomination can speak out on social issues and challenge …
Reflections on the Scottish Parliament elections
Do you ever get that feeling as you approach 6 January? The one which is part relief that ‘Christmas’ (which started in October with the shops putting up decorations) is finally over? But which is also part sadness that, with the decorations being put away, the reality of normal life and routine is …
Lockdown stories: Women who sell sex
In July last year I was on a call with a group of local church and charity leaders. Each told the story of how the pandemic was hitting the most vulnerable in their community. Important and all too familiar experiences that were the core of the Gleanings research into poverty under lockdown we …
Trussell Trust figures reveal a record number turning to foodbanks during the pandemic
A report published last week by the Trussell Trust reveals a record 2.5 million food parcels were distributed by their network of food banks in the past year. The figure represents a 33% increase on the previous year, including a disproportionately large increase in the number of parcels …
Trussell Trust figures reveal a record number turning to foodbanks during the pandemic
A report published last week by the Trussell Trust reveals a record 2.5 million food parcels were distributed by their network of food banks in the past year. The figure represents a 33% increase on the previous year, including a disproportionately large increase in the number of parcels …
The New Plan for Immigration
The Government’s recently published New Plan for Immigration gives details about a long-promised overhaul of the asylum system. The proposals are described as aiming to increase the fairness of the asylum system and deter illegal entry into the UK. However, many of the measures risk creating more …
Responding to the New Plan For Immigration Consultation
The UK Government has opened a 6 week consultation on the 'New Plan for Immigration' proposals, which will end on 6th May 2021. They are inviting individual contributions, and collective responses from organisations. We are encouraging everyone who is able to respond to the consultation. Here …
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee report calls for action on rent debts
A report published today by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee calls for support for renters in the private sector who are in arrears, including a recommendation for funding for some rent debt write-off. It is welcome that the recommendations from the committee recognise …
Statement from Church leaders on the UK Government announcement on warhead numbers
Church leaders across 7 denominations, including the Methodist Church, have today made the following statement following the publication of the Government’s integrated review of foreign and defence policies: “The Government’s decision in the integrated review of defence, security and foreign …
Why host a hustings?
“The Church has developed its online presence wonderfully well during the past year. We are probably very well placed to host virtual hustings of all the groups in our communities.” The Right Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the Church of Scotland, speaking recently on Premier Radio. The …