However, he added that he would “have to act really with the other members of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales”
Nonsense. The bishops' conferences have no canonical authority whatsoever in this regard. The local bishop must apply Canon 915 regardless of whether his brother bishops are apostates. And they won't be there to plead your case at judgement, bishop. You alone are responsible for what goes on in your diocese.
Busy, successful men are too busy to think. Their minds run in well-worn grooves. Even Bishop Egan doesnt’ seem to understand that Denial of Communion is not a penalty. It is not just a good thing to do, or a loving thing to do. It is MANDATORY. NOT doing it is a MORTAL SIN.
Even though his heart is obviously in the right place, he doesn’t seem to get what this issue is really about.
Canon 915 cannot be “applied” or “not applied.” It can only be obeyed or disobeyed.