Bishop Mark in the House of Lords

The Bishop of Chester delivered his maiden speech in the House of Lords last week, a significant milestone for any new member. (A maiden speech is the first formal contribution to a debate, often blending personal introduction with reflections on a topic of national importance.)

For Bishop Mark, that topic was sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a subject he admitted was not what he expected when preparing for that moment.

Bishop Mark began by acknowledging the vital role air travel plays in modern life - connecting communities, enabling education, and supporting international aid. He spoke warmly about the Diocese of Chester’s unique position, spanning two nations and 23 local authorities, and its links to the world through Liverpool and Manchester airports:

“Air travel builds community, enables encounter, and it crosses divides.”

While affirming aviation’s importance, he stressed the urgent need to address its environmental impact:

“The good Lord provided us with many things, but a spare planet was not among them.”

He welcomed the Bill’s efforts to make SAF a viable investment but urged greater ambition, calling for progress toward third-generation fuels and investment in rail and road transport:

“By itself, though, I argue that this Bill does not do nearly enough. The move it encourages from first to second and then vitally to third generation SAF is essential.”

In closing, Bishop Mark offered a powerful reminder of the values that should guide national policy:

“The question with which I come to this House is not so much how we make Britain great again, but rather how we make Britain kind again. Such kindness and responsibility is what leads to greatness in a manner which actually lasts and which embraces all.”

FAQs: Background

Q. Why Do Bishops Sit in the House of Lords?

A. The Church of England is the established church in England, and by law, 26 of its bishops, known as the Lords Spiritual, have seats in the House of Lords. This tradition dates back centuries and reflects the Church’s constitutional role. The Lords Spiritual include the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops of London, Durham, and Winchester, and 21 other diocesan bishops by seniority or under special provisions for women bishops. Their role is to bring an independent, faith-informed perspective to national debates, offering spiritual insight and representing the communities they serve.

Q. When Was Bishop Mark Admitted?

A. Bishop Mark officially took his seat as a Lord Spiritual on 19 June 2025, joining the House of Lords while continuing his ministry in the Diocese of Chester.

This dual responsibility brings both challenges and opportunities. It means balancing time between London and the Diocese, ensuring pastoral care and leadership at home while contributing to national discussions on legislation and ethics. Yet it also offers a unique chance to share the voices and concerns of parishioners in Parliament - speaking for communities across Cheshire and beyond on issues that matter deeply, from social justice to environmental stewardship. In his speech Bishop Mark said: “I usually remind clergy at their inductions that they are commissioned to be priests for the whole parish not just the church, and the same is true of Bishops. Parliament is an expression of that service of the whole Diocese of Chester.”