Female Bishops

Women and Equalities – in the House of Commons at 9:30 am on 15 January 2015.

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Photo of Mike Freer Mike Freer Conservative, Finchley and Golders Green 9:30, 15 January 2015

What assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the appointment by the Church of England of its first female bishop; and if she will make a statement.

Photo of Nicholas Boles Nicholas Boles The Minister for Universities and Science, Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) (Jointly with the Department for Education)

I thank my hon. Friend for his question and I congratulate Libby Lane on becoming the new Bishop of Stockport and the first female bishop in the Church of England. I am delighted to see the Church of England moving into the 21st century, at least in this respect.

Photo of Mike Freer Mike Freer Conservative, Finchley and Golders Green

Does the Minister agree that at last we have a great role model for the Church of England and girls in this country?

Photo of Nicholas Boles Nicholas Boles The Minister for Universities and Science, Minister of State (Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) (Jointly with the Department for Education)

I do agree with my hon. Friend. Role models such as Libby Lane are very important, which is why the Government are supporting schemes such as “Your Life” and “Inspiring Women”, which is led by the formidably impressive lawyer, Miriam Gonzales. I believe that her husband has a job, too, but I think we can all agree that she is the role model in that family.