Pieces by Ross Hendry
Responding to the Covid Inquiry
3 November 2023
It has been two years this week since I became Chief Executive of CARE. I have spent a disproportionate amount of that time defending the general decency of the large majority of…
What should we make of the Conservative Party Conference?
6 October 2023
Over the years I have attended more than my fair share of political conferences. Last night I started counting how many, and I estimate that it will have been around 40.
Porn age checks goal is in sight
20 September 2023
CARE's campaign for porn protection nears completion, writes Ross Hendry
Schools, the RAAC crisis and some concrete Biblical teaching
8 September 2023
Just over a week ago, news emerged that around 150 schools were at immediate risk of ceilings and walls collapsing, having been constructed with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Why this Welshman, and Christian, admires the Lionesses
18 August 2023
Before giving up on me at this point – either because you don’t support the England team, or because you are not into football – allow me to explain myself. I have…
What is a Christian housing policy?
28 July 2023
This week has seen several stories about housing. They have highlighted the relationship between the cost-of-living crisis and what many housing charities are seeing as a breakdown in the housing market, particularly…
Parliament — a toxic environment?
7 July 2023
This week the youngest MP to be elected to Parliament in 350 years announced she would not be standing in the next election because the place was “toxic and poisonous”. According to…
Tougher age checks for porn are welcome step
6 July 2023
The UK government recently announced that clauses in the Online Safety Bill requiring websites to verify the age of users accessing pornography will be strengthened. We are very grateful to ministers for…
Power, politicians and TV presenters
2 June 2023
Philip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and This Morning do not seem an obvious starting point for the lead political story of the week. Indeed, it's fascinating that an entertainment story is so dominating…
The King’s Coronation: to pledge or not to pledge?
5 May 2023
(Image courtesy of Chris Boland)
How can we protest ‘Christianly’?
21 April 2023
This weekend the London Marathon takes place under the threat of disruption by climate change activists and in the context of further protests by Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil. Both groups…
Brexit, Covid and the Kate Forbes saga show society’s need for both truth and grace
3 March 2023
Three big stories have dominated politics this week. At the start of the week came news that Brexit might finally be done. The second half of the week saw the release of…
How has the PM done in his first 100 days?
3 February 2023
Yesterday, 2 February, marked 100 days since Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister. Much of the ground that he will contest up to the next election has now been set out.
To strike or not to strike
16 December 2022
Every day this month seems to bring news of further industrial action, or strikes, by one group of workers or another. This week saw the largest walkout of nursing staff since the…
Join us in praying for CARE’s work
24 November 2022
This week, CARE colleagues from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland gathered for a time of mutual encouragement and reflection on our work going forward.
Seven tests for Jeremy Hunt’s Budget
18 November 2022
Yesterday the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced his Autumn Statement – one we had all been told would be brutal and difficult to bear. He did so in the context of forecasts from…
God’s big economic recovery plan!
4 November 2022
I’m not sure whether it is because I’m the CEO or because I’m a graduate of the London School of Economics, but I’ve drawn the short straw of trying to set our…
The Lady is for Turning: how should we respond when politicians change their mind?
14 October 2022
Everyone is speculating about more U-turns in the new Government’s economic policy and the country is reeling at Kwasi Kwarteng's sacking as Chancellor. How should we respond to politicians who change course?
The Queen: a life well lived
9 September 2022
Our CEO Ross Hendry reflects on a life of service, duty and joy, after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A Question of Leadership
8 July 2022
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about a man beckoned to power on the back of public demand for a charismatic leader who would stand out from the crowd, and get things…
Gambling reform delay harms citizens
9 June 2022
This week, amid the turmoil of a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister, an important debate took place at Westminster. On Tuesday morning, MPs came together to scrutinise the idea of…
Our politics needs Christlike leaders
7 June 2022
The Prime Minster won the ballot. He survived the no confidence vote. He lives to fight another day. “Down but not out” – neither out for the count nor, out of the…
Pray concerning the vote of confidence
6 June 2022
The Prime Minister's future has been a matter of speculation for months. This morning has seen a conclusive step by Conservative MPs. A vote of confidence in the PM's leadership of his…
What’s CARE achieved over the last parliamentary year?
6 May 2022
The current Westminster Parliamentary Session has now ended, and a Queen’s Speech, formally opening the new session of parliament, has been announced for 10 May. It’s a fantastic opportunity to take stock,…
Link between porn and violence is clear as is the need for action
25 April 2022
This article first appeared in The Express, on 16 April 2022.
The Spring Statement is a moral document – it should matter to all of us
25 March 2022
This week saw the publication of the Spring Financial Statement – which is essentially a mini-budget. Rarely have the Chancellor’s words been more anticipated as we find ourselves in a ‘cost of…
Ukraine: how can we respond to the tragedy?
25 February 2022
I’m listening to the radio, reading the news websites, and scanning social media about Ukraine. With every hour comes news of more deaths and advancing Russian forces. My heart is breaking for…
‘I’ seems to be the hardest word
4 February 2022
Elton John sang “sorry seems to be the hardest word” and many would say it’s the same for politicians. Yet this week has shown it is not sorry that’s the hardest word…
Government consultation on Banning Conversion Therapy
21 January 2022
The Government’s consultation on Banning Conversion Therapy in England and Wales closes in the next two weeks. CARE will be responding formally to the published proposals and we encourage our supporters to…