Contents

Published: Tuesday 6 October 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 5 October 2020

Early Day Motions (EDMs) are motions for which no days have been fixed.

The number of signatories includes all members who have added their names in support of the Early Day Motion (EDM), including the Member in charge of the Motion.

EDMs and added names are also published on the EDM database at www.parliament.uk/edm

[R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared.

New EDMs

957Black History Month and the British Hotel and the Scots Jamaican Nurse Mary Seacole

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House notes October is Black History Month; welcomes the opportunity to highlight some of those people largely forgotten in history but who have made a significant contribution nonetheless; celebrates the tale of Scots Jamaican nurse Mary Seacole who set up her own convalescent home named The British Hotel, to tend wounded soldiers with traditional herbal remedies in the Crimean war of the 1850s; considers it all the more impressive that she did so after being rejected by the War Office and by fundraising for the costs herself; understands she was so well loved for the voluntary work she carried out that when she returned to London in 1857, destitute, and a fundraising gala in her honour on the banks of the River Thames attracted 80,000 guests; understands that Mary Seacole then disappeared from history books for over a century; finds it inexplicable that when her contribution began to be acknowledged in more recent times, there were campaigns against doing so; and considers it fitting that she is now considered one of the greatest black role models and has been remembered with a community hospital named after her in Surrey and a statue erected in her honour outside St Thomas’ Hospital.

958Scotland Malawi Partnership virtual AGM 2020

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Patrick Grady [R]

That this House congratulates the Scotland-Malawi Partnership on its 2020 Annual General Meeting event, held virtually for the first time; notes that over 280 participants joined the event from Scotland, Malawi and elsewhere, the largest gathering for an AGM in the organisation's history; thanks the President of Malawi, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, and the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, for presenting keynote addresses to the meeting, as well as the many participants who led discussions on the impact of coronavirus in Malawi and how the two countries can build back better from the pandemic; notes that the event closed with a performance from Malawian comedian Daliso Chaponda; thanks all the staff and volunteers of the partnership who contributed to a successful event; and looks forward to ongoing use of virtual and remote technology to enable as many people from both countries as possible to contribute to the work of the Partnership in the future.

959Reopening of social care day centres

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House has concerns regarding the re-opening of social care day centres; notes that no specific guidance has been issued by the Government on reopening such centres; further notes that disproportionate amounts of funding have been made available to commercial and retail sectors in comparison to public services such as social care; is concerned that, due to devolved responsibilities in reopening day centres, there will be a postcode lottery created; recognises the aims of charity Headway, the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury, to advocate that survivors of brain injury are afforded the same opportunities as anyone else in society, as values that should be supported; recognises that after a nationwide lockdown earlier this year, many who rely on social care infrastructures will have been without support for some time; calls on the Government to issue specific guidance to assist with the reopening of social care day centres; and further calls on the Government to allocate proportionate funding in order for local authorities to reopen such centres evenly across the country.

960Support for Learning Service

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House notes that Support for Learning Services provide early intervention, assessment and support for children with SEND from birth to 25, working with families, nurseries and schools to enable all children to be fully included in their local settings and communities and to achieve positive outcomes; further notes that evidence shows that the covid-19 outbreak has hit disabled children and their families disproportionately and deepened inequalities; is therefore concerned at the proposal to reduce Tower Hamlets Support for Learning Service by about 50 percent which will force schools to take on more responsibilities and work; is alarmed that at a time when there is a spike in need, the capacity of schools, central services and local authorities are being undermined by underfunding and cuts; and calls on the Government to immediately increase funding levels for SEND to ensure provision is maintained and expanded where necessary.

961Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for Stephen Fuller

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 2

Drew Hendry

Ian Blackford

That this House congratulates Stephen Fuller for recently receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service as part of his ongoing work for Green Hive, a not-for-profit charity based in Nairn which delivers projects that benefit the environment and the people of Nairn; notes that the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteers in the UK to recognise outstanding work done in the community; and finally wishes Stephen and Green Hive continued success for the future.

962TSB branch closures and financial inclusion

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House condemns the decision of TSB Bank to close its branches in Kilbirnie, Largs and Saltcoats in North Ayrshire; recognises that this follows the closure of Royal Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank branches across North Ayrshire and Arran; understands that local communities, particularly elderly and disabled residents, will suffer because of this decision; notes that the commitment to ensure 94 per cent of customers remain within 20 minutes travel time of a branch does not consider those without access to private vehicles; is concerned that forcing customers into lengthy journeys by public transport in order to bank places people at greater risk during a global health pandemic; believes these branch closures will adversely affect local businesses and town centres at a time when many are already struggling; further understands the impact for bank staff who may face redundancy at a time when the economy is damaged by the uncertainty of Brexit and the global health pandemic; and is extremely disappointed by the lack of action from the Government in working with high street banks to deliver banking hubs for communities and thereby ensure financial inclusion and urges TSB Bank to reconsider these closures, so that North Ayrshire and Arran communities are not deprived of the opportunity to bank locally.

963Down's Syndrome Awareness Month

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House celebrates World Down's Syndrome Awareness Month, which commences on October 1st 2020; recognises the remarkable contribution people with Down’s syndrome bring to our families, workplaces, communities and society at large; and welcomes the support of organisations, such as Down’s Syndrome Scotland, for raising awareness and providing help, encouragement and advice to families, schools and wider institutions to make sure that every citizen has the right to reach their full potential and campaigns tirelessly to end discrimination against individuals with Down’s syndrome.

964Anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Apsana Begum

That this House marks the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street on 4 October when in 1936, Oswald Mosley and members of the British Union of Fascists were blocked from marching through East London by the Jewish community, trade unionists, socialists and others; recognises the continuing importance of the Battle of Cable Street in inspiring communities uniting together in solidarity in the fight against the far right; pays tribute to the rich cultural and political history of the Jewish community in East London; and reaffirms its commitment to the fight against racism, fascism and antisemitism.

965Supporting open-access rail operators during the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 12

Ian Mearns

Caroline Lucas

Apsana Begum

Kate Osborne

John McDonnell

Mick Whitley

That this House notes that, unlike the franchised train operating companies, the UK’s open-access rail operators, including Hull Trains and Grand Central, have received no financial support package from the Government; further notes that passenger footfall and revenue across the railways remains below pre-covid 19 outbreak levels; is concerned that as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, Grand Central has announced the closure of its North West Project and commenced a restructure which puts a number of posts at risk of redundancy; and calls on the Government to agree a support package as a matter of urgency for open-access rail operators to enable those operators to continue to operate and to protect the jobs and conditions of all their staff.

966Edinburgh Poverty Commission

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House notes the publication of the final report of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission; welcomes the aim of the Commission to eradicate poverty in the city within the next decade; commends the work of the project's commissioners; further welcomes the next stage of the process as a citizen- and community-led effort to tackle the root causes of poverty in the city; celebrates the outstanding work of Edinburgh’s third sector in tackling entrenched poverty; and calls on the Government to work with the Commission to act on the recommendations of its report.

96710th anniversary of Woodlands Community Garden Project

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Glasgow-based Woodlands Community Development Trust in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of its Woodlands Community Garden Project; recognises that their original project to clear a derelict site in Glasgow’s Woodlands area has grown into a thriving community space; notes that in addition to their flourishing garden, they have also developed a community café serving free healthy and nutritious meals, and a community workspace building that is currently being utilised to aid the Woodlands Community’s response to the covid-19 outbreak; commends the enormous contribution Woodlands Community Garden has made to the community through initiatives focused on conservation, education, and creativity; respects the cafe's focus on a positive model of participation by actively involving beneficiaries in the preparation, cooking and serving of food; is grateful to all the staff and volunteers who work hard to provide a sanctuary in the garden and who bring the community together, especially during the current pandemic; and wishes Woodland Community Development Trust every success for the future.

968Graham's The Family Dairy

Tabled: 5/10/20 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House congratulates Graham’s The Family Dairy on becoming Scotland’s number one chosen brand, overtaking the iconic Irn Bru which has held the top spot for decades, as well as surpassing Nestle, Cadbury’s and Pepsi in Scotland’s global food brand preferences; notes that 70 per cent of Scottish households now buy Graham’s products; celebrates the family-run firm’s 80-year history, growing from delivering by horse-drawn cart the milk produced by just 12 cows, to a respected Scottish business with 700 employees across seven Scottish sites, including Cowdenbeath, and 100 farming partners; and recognises the steps taken by the business in response to climate change, including working with Scottish Government through their flagship Low Carbon Innovation Transition Programme to utilise process waste at their Fife dairy for heat production - a first for Scotland's dairy industry.

Added Names

Below are EDMs tabled in the last two weeks to which names have been added. Only the first 6 names and any new names are included.

899Phoenix Cup (No. 2)

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 5

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Jamie Stone

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the 25th and 26th Phoenix Cups which are currently being held in Scotland; notes that the Phoenix Cup provides a fantastic platform for sport for people with disabilities; congratulates Scottish Disability Golf and Curling for planning this important event in the face of huge logistical challenges posed by the covid-19 pandemic; and wishes the best of luck to all the participants in those cups.

900Moria Refugee Camp in Greece

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 10

Hywel Williams

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

That this House expresses deep concern at the ongoing crisis in the Moria Refugee Camp in Greece; notes with alarm that the Greek authorities are struggling to move thousands of migrants to safety after the overpopulated refugee camp burned down; is distressed that an estimated 13,000 people were left without access to clean water, food, shelter and proper sanitation; is disturbed by the news that during the operational move, the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières were denied access to its new clinic in Lesbos for several hours by the Greek police, leaving thousands of refugees without the necessary medical aid that they need to survive; is appalled by the living conditions that migrants in the Moria Camp have had to endure for years; emphasises that refugee camps must meet basic living requirements that ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants; calls on the UK Government to work with European partners to find a solution to this issue; and further calls on the UK Government to grant asylum to the most vulnerable migrants that are still trapped in Moria Camp.

901Loch Ness Hub

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 8

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Hannah Bardell

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

That this House welcomes the news that the Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit will be used as a Community Transport Hub, tours and ticket sales office, baggage transfer base, tourist information hub and will promote local business, and things to do in the area; recognises that the hub is a community benefit company, which will put profits from its operations back into the community; notes that the hub has launched a community share offer, to allow the local community to invest in what matters to them; and wishes the hub continued success for the future.

902Ukrainian miners' strike

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 8

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Mike Hill

Sir Peter Bottomley

That this House notes that iron ore miners in Ukraine have been on strike since 3 September 2020 at the mines of KZRK in the city of Kryvyi Rih; salutes those courageous protests including an underground sit in, against unacceptable working conditions, low wages, authoritarian management, a lack of necessary tools and attacks on retirement rights; notes that the Kryvyi Rih City Council has appealed to the President to assist the miners and resolve that dispute; condemns intimidation of the families of union leaders and the use of the security service the SBU against the mineworkers; recognises the iron ore market currently enjoys high profitability; and calls on the employers linked to the oligarchs Ihor Kolomoisky and Rinat Akhmetov to recognise the miners' just demands and settle that dispute.

903Planning for health and wellbeing

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 9

Caroline Lucas

Hilary Benn

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Claire Hanna

That this House is concerned about the low quality of new homes and places that are being created; recognises the overwhelming evidence of the link between people’s mental and physical health and the quality of their homes and neighbourhoods, including access to nature; notes the number of new homes which lack decent space and natural light; further notes that many homes do not provide walkable access to green space; is further concerned that the Planning White Paper reduces democratic accountability, significantly reduces the number of affordable homes delivered overall but particularly in rural areas and gives developers too much power over local decisions; and calls on the Government to put democracy, affordability, people’s health and wellbeing, and a right to access to nature for all at the heart of the planning reform process.

904Policing of the 1984-85 miners' strike

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 21

Ian Lavery

Ian Mearns

Apsana Begum

Ms Diane Abbott

Jeremy Corbyn

Mick Whitley

That this House welcomes the proposals made by an independent review established by the Scottish Government into the policing of the dispute during the 1984-85 miners’ strike in Scotland to introduce legislation to pardon those convicted for matters related to that strike; notes that the National Union of Mineworkers have been campaigning on these issues since the end of that strike; further notes that during the dispute across the UK 11,291 people were arrested, 8,392 charged and between 150 and 200 imprisoned; calls on the Government to follow the lead of the devolved administration in Scotland and set up an independent review into policing in the UK during the dispute, with a view to issuing pardons to all of those convicted.

905Winter support for tourism hospitality jobs and businesses

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 12

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Daisy Cooper

Layla Moran

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

That this House acknowledges and is grateful for the unprecedented package of support for workers and business throughout the covid-19 outbreak; notes the importance of the spring and summer months for the UK’s £100bn tourism and hospitality industry; recognises that businesses in that sector missed out on much of that season due to lockdown; further recognises that many of these businesses are working at a reduced capacity due to social distancing guidelines which is resulting in lower income for these businesses; further notes the warning from UKHospitality that at least 900,000 jobs in the hospitality sector are at risk without further support; urges the Government to protect jobs and help give the confidence businesses need to help them survive the traditionally quiet autumn and winter months; and calls on the Government to implement proposals put forward by Cumbria Tourism including, helping to fund hospitality and tourism jobs from November 2020 to March 2021, extending funding grants for businesses in the sector and reintroducing the hugely successful Eat Out to Help Out scheme during the winter months.

908The Maltby Miners Welfare Institute

Tabled: 21/09/20 Signatories: 7

Alexander Stafford

Paul Bristow

Jim Shannon

Andrew Rosindell

Jonathan Gullis

James Daly

That this House notes the proposed sale of the Maltby Miners Welfare Institute, the Stute, by CISWO, the coal mining charity; acknowledges that miners have paid for the Stute over the years out of their wages to safeguard their mining heritage; is disappointed that CISWO has chosen to put the site on the market; believes CISWO should be the guardian of this site for local people and should safeguard it accordingly; recognises the Stute as being a valuable community asset which is vital to the prosperity of Maltby; asks for CISWO to work with the Maltby Miners Welfare & Recreation Protection Group and other similar organisations to protect this community asset; and calls for the Stute to be opened for use by everybody in the area and wishes for the site to be protected for Maltby’s future generations.

909The Nourish charity

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 5

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the tremendous support offered to parents of children with additional support needs by Nourish, a charity set up by parents in Kirkcaldy to bring together families affected by disability, supplying information and links with other organisations as well as preventing isolation by providing an inclusive space for families to support each other to relax, unwind and offload; welcomes the opportunity the organisation has to improve its services by moving to a new facility; congratulates the charity on its fundraising efforts to date; and notes the progress made towards the £15,000 needed to set up the new Nourish support centre.

910Plastic-free Dalgety Bay

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 8

Neale Hanvey

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Dalgety Bay on becoming the third community in Fife and one of just over 100 in the UK to be awarded Plastic-free Community status by Surfers Against Sewage; recognises the hard work of volunteers to gain this accreditation in June 2020, just nine months after forming Plastic-free Dalgety Bay; and welcomes efforts to unite campaigners against single-use plastics from across Fife under the banner of the Plastic-free Fife Network to help communities eliminate unnecessary use of single-use plastics.

911Battle of Prestonpans commemoration

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 7

Kenny MacAskill

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

That this House joins in commemorating the 275th anniversary of the Battle of Prestonpans; notes that the battle was a decisive victory for Jacobite troops, dramatically increasing morale and leading directly to the early success and eventual failure of the 45 Rising; congratulates the Battle of Prestonpans 1745 Heritage Trust on holding a small socially distanced event; and notes that a fuller commemoration of that battle is planned for 2021.

914Upgrading digital selling skills to safeguard jobs

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 9

Martyn Day

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Mike Hill

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House recognises that with unemployment rising Britain needs to sell its way out of recession to safeguard jobs; notes that the covid-19 pandemic has speeded up the digitisation of how UK businesses sell by 5.3 years; further notes that 93.3 per cent of SMEs do not train their staff in digital skills; and calls on the Government to take forward a range of measures to promote digital selling skills especially in SMEs in order to safeguard jobs across the whole economy.

915Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service grant from BBC Children in Need

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates MYPAS (the Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service) on its award of a £67,851 grant from BBC Children in Need’s Next Steps Fund; understands that this will fund a full-time counsellor over the next 18 months to engage with young people adversely mentally affected by the situations brought about by the covid-19 pandemic, with particular regard to LGBT+ young people; notes that MYPAS promotes the health and wellbeing of young people (aged 12 to 25) in Midlothian through the provision of drug and alcohol services, street work, art therapy, counselling, sexual health drop-ins and more; further notes the serious impact on young people’s mental health caused by the covid-19 pandemic; and commends organisations such as MYPAS which seek to address those issues.

916Ian Miller's retirement from Scotmid Co-operative

Tabled: 22/09/20 Signatories: 8

Owen Thompson

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House sends its best wishes to Ian Miller upon retiring from Scotmid Co-operative after 17 years on the co-operative’s East Regional Committee and nine years on its central board; notes that Ian served as a branch manager in Penicuik for 15 years and has held society membership for 36 years; and commends Ian for his contribution to the community.

917Humanitarian and human rights situation in Zimbabwe

Tabled: 23/09/20 Signatories: 8

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Brendan O'Hara

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Sir Peter Bottomley

That this House is deeply concerned about the on-going humanitarian and human rights crisis in Zimbabwe, despite the fresh start promised by President Mnangagwa when he took office over two years ago after the end of former President Mugabe’s rule; notes with alarm that over half the population is dependent on food aid, as well as the virtual collapse of the health and education systems, and more general infrastructure; further notes with regret that fundamental rights are routinely being violated, with reportedly more than 70 Government critics having been abducted and tortured by men suspected to be state security agents in the last year, including MDC Alliance MP Joanna Mamombe and activists Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, who are now incredibly being tried for faking their abduction and torture; urges the Zimbabwean Government to undertake meaningful political and economic reform, and particularly to investigate alleged serious human rights abuses and corrupt practice over the last two years and prosecute those responsible; and calls on the Government to continue providing vital humanitarian assistance to Zimbabweans on the basis of need, to support and protect Zimbabweans committed to democracy, rule of law and an equitable economic recovery, and to apply targeted sanctions on those responsible for the most serious human rights abuses.

918Death penalty sentences against protestors in Iran

Tabled: 23/09/20 Signatories: 11

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

That this House is shocked by the execution of champion wrestler, Navid Afkari and the alarming frequency of death penalty sentences being handed down to those involved in anti-Government protests in 2018 and 2019 in Iran; notes with alarm that the execution of Mr. Afkari is the second recent execution in connection with those protests and that his trial was held behind closed doors and allegedly relied on forced confessions extracted under torture; echoes the call of UN human rights experts earlier this month to the Iranian Government to immediately halt all executions of protesters sentenced to death; and calls on the Government to raise relevant concerns with the Iranian Government as a matter of urgency to ensure that the death penalty is imposed only for the most serious crimes and after proceedings meeting the highest level of respect for fair trial and due process standards.

921Maira Shahbaz and child abduction, forced conversion and marriage in Pakistan

Tabled: 23/09/20 Signatories: 22

Brendan O'Hara

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Dr Lisa Cameron

David Linden

Marion Fellows

That this House notes with grave concern reports from Pakistan on Maira Shahbaz, a 14-year-old Christian girl who was abducted at gunpoint from the streets of Madina Town in Faisalabad by three men, forced to convert to Islam and then marry one of her abductors, Mr. Nakash; is further concerned that, despite her family producing a birth certificate showing Maira to be 14-years-old and the Grand Mufti of a local mosque condemning as false the marriage certificate produced in court by Mr Nakash, the Lahore High Court overruled an earlier decision by the Faisalabad Sessions and District court to place her in a women’s shelter, subsequently forcing her to return to Mr Nakash; understands that recently, Maira managed to escape from the home of Mr. Nakash and that she and her family are currently in hiding; calls on the UK government to do everything in its power to help Maira and all of the estimated 1,000 Pakistani Christian and Hindu girls who are kidnapped, forced to convert and marry their abductor every year.

922Relocation of aslyum seekers and refugees from Aegean Islands

Tabled: 23/09/20 Signatories: 29

Stuart C McDonald

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Joanna Cherry

Deidre Brock

Caroline Lucas

That this House recognises the deteriorating conditions faced by asylum seekers and refugees on the Aegean Islands and notes the recent fire at the Moria camp in Lesvos which has left 13,000 people without shelter; welcomes the fact that Germany, France and Norway have agreed to take some of those vulnerable people; and calls on the UK government to participate in relocating asylum seekers and refugees from the Aegean Islands to local authorities in the UK and to provide the necessary support to enable that relocation.

923A covid-19 recovery mental health strategy for children

Tabled: 24/09/20 Signatories: 13

Dr Lisa Cameron

Mohammad Yasin

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Sir Peter Bottomley

Allan Dorans

That this House notes that a survey by the mental health charity Re-Think found that one third of children feel more anxious, sad and stressed now than before lockdown; further notes that the charity Action for Children has asked the Government to prioritise children’s mental health in covid-19 recovery planning with sufficient funding; notes that at their press conference of 21 September 2020, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance predicted that mental health would be further jeopardised if the virus goes out of control; and calls upon the Government to publish a distinctive Mental Health Strategy for Children and Young People, focusing on the covid-19 pandemic with an accompanying commitment that the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people will be placed at the heart of the overall Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

924County lines and child criminal exploitation

Tabled: 24/09/20 Signatories: 18

Grahame Morris

Ian Mearns

Chris Stephens

Liz Saville Roberts

Claudia Webbe

Mohammad Yasin

That this House is alarmed at the expansion of county lines networks, recently exacerbated by covid-19; calls for clarification of laws to ensure that all young people who are groomed, coerced and controlled into committing crime are recognised as victims of trafficking and exploitation; advocates the adoption of a new public health approach to drug prevention that works with schools, pupil referral units and providers for those outside of mainstream education; notes the need for new local safeguarding partnerships enabling multi-agency work to identify and respond to child criminal exploitation; further notes that a system is required for seamlessly sharing data across borders and agencies and disrupting grooming and criminality that has migrated from the streets to encrypted apps; and calls upon the Government to introduce a stand-alone national strategy on child criminal exploitation that includes these recommendations as a matter of urgency.

926Removal of requirement to publicise Planning Notices in local newspapers

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 15

Barry Gardiner

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Mike Hill

Sir Peter Bottomley

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

This House recognises that local and regional newspapers, in print and digital form, reach 40.6 million people each week across the UK; notes that they perform vital democratic functions by nurturing debate, investigating local issues and running powerful campaigns that foster community identity and hold vested interests to account; considers that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government proposals to remove the statutory requirement to publicise planning applications in local newspapers would make the planning process less transparent, less accountable and less democratic; and therefore urges the Government to recognise that local newspapers have the trust of the public and are best placed to distribute and publicise impartial factual details about planning applications in the form of planning notices.

927Giro d'Italia, S4C, Tinopolis and Geraint Thomas

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 4

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House congratulates S4C and Carmarthenshire based media production company Tinopolis for securing sole UK terrestrial media rights for the 2020 Giro d'Italia; notes that the Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's biggest events, consisting of 21 stages beginning in Sicily and finishing in Milan; and wishes Geraint Thomas from Wales well in his attempt to win the Maglia Rosa.

928Abertay University, UK university of the year for teaching quality

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Stewart Hosie

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Abertay University and all of its staff for its award of UK University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide; further congratulates the institution for placing top in Scotland in the Guide for Social Inclusion; recognises that this followed a top placing in Europe earlier this year for its video games education in the Princeton Review; further recognises that Abertay University plays a vital role in supporting the growth of Dundee’s creative and technology industries; and wishes all the staff and students at the University, both new and returning, all the best for this student year.

929Pride of Scotland Awards

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Loanhead Post Office in Midlothian for being nominated for a Pride of Scotland award to recognise their outstanding community efforts during the covid-19 outbreak; welcomes the Pride of Scotland awards as an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary achievements of people of all ages and from all walks of life, as nominated by the public; encourages anyone who knows an unsung hero in their community to nominate them at www.prideofscotland.org; and wishes every success to this new landmark event to celebrate and honour Scotland's inspirational citizens.

930Beer Duty 2020

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 16

Jamie Stone

Sir Mike Penning

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Christine Jardine

Layla Moran

That this House commends the Government for freezing Beer Duty at previous Budgets; acknowledges that again the UK has the highest total Beer Duty bill in Europe at £3.4 billion and a Beer Duty rate at three times the EU average, as well as 11 times that of Germany or Spain; notes that over 40 per cent of a brewery's turnover is Beer Duty making the tax on beer feel like a tax on pubs; further notes that the added effect of covid-19 puts pubs and breweries at risk of closing and therefore threatens the approximate 900,000 jobs that this industry provides; and calls on the Government to intervene by cutting Beer Duty by 25 per cent.

933Challenge Poverty Week: 5 to 11 October 2020

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 31

David Linden

Jim Shannon

Ronnie Cowan

Margaret Ferrier

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

That this House celebrates the important work being undertaken by the Poverty Alliance during their Challenge Poverty Week; supports the various events taking place across Scotland to end the stigma around poverty and build awareness for solutions to poverty; and commits to advocating for those affected by poverty to ensure that the UK is a more just and equal society.

934Online harassment and stalking of content creators

Tabled: 28/09/20 Signatories: 11

David Linden

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House condemns the harassment and stalking of online content creators on platforms such as Twitch; notes these cases of online abuse need to be taken as seriously as offline abuse; recognises that more must be done to understanding how stalkers operate online, including knowledge of methods such as doxxing and using a VPN and urges action to be taken to prevent the abuse and harassment seen online against content creators.

935Conclusion of Mahatma Gandhi 150th birth anniversary celebration

Tabled: 29/09/20 Signatories: 14

Martyn Day

Sir Peter Bottomley

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

That this House commends the Government of India and the Indian people on the two year celebration throughout the world of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which ends on 2 October 2020; thanks posthumously Mahatma Gandhi who made a significant contribution as a peaceful freedom fighter, father of India and an inspiration to the world; acknowledges Mahatma Gandhi is revered by many people all over the world as a symbol of unity and peace; and looks forward to ongoing strengthened peaceful relations between our nations.

936Disqualification of the President of Catalonia

Tabled: 29/09/20 Signatories: 23

Hywel Williams

Andrew Rosindell

Stewart Hosie

Sir Peter Bottomley

Joanna Cherry

Ronnie Cowan

That this House notes its great concern at the decision of the Spanish Supreme Court to remove the President of Catalonia, Quim Torra, from office by banning him from holding public posts; notes that that decision was taken because banners calling for support of the rights of Catalan political prisoners were displayed on government buildings and were not taken down immediately when the court ruled they must be taken down; believes that this case centres on the fundamental right to free speech and that the court’s verdict on this case is a severe blow to that right as well as to democracy; and calls on the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to convey these concerns most strongly to the Spanish Government.

938Local Legends award for Billington's Deli in Lenzie

Tabled: 29/09/20 Signatories: 9

Amy Callaghan

Allan Dorans

Margaret Ferrier

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Billington’s Deli in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire on being chosen as the Scottish winner of Convenience Store UK’s Local Legends competition; recognises that that award is due to the resilience shown by Billington’s during the covid-19 lockdown and their tremendous effort to assist the wider community throughout the covid-19 pandemic; notes that Billington’s voluntarily delivered soup to the elderly and vulnerable in their local area; further notes that Billington's created care boxes filled with everyday essentials for delivery to those shielding in the community; and commends Billington’s on donating £500 of their prize to local charity Sporting Aces.

939Stars in their Homes nominated for a Pride of Scotland Award

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 7

Owen Thompson

Steven Bonnar

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates mother and son duo Anne and Grant Stanley of Loanhead Midlothian for being nominated for a Pride of Scotland award in the Community Spirit category; notes that the duo launched their Stars in their Homes Lockdown Entertainment group to bring entertainment and support to Midlothian residents through gathering more than 65 performers, singers and dancers; commends that duo's hard work to fundraise for good causes and entertain and support their community; welcomes the Pride of Scotland awards as an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary achievements of people of all ages and from all walks of life, as nominated by the public; and encourages anyone who knows an unsung hero in their community to nominate them for a Pride of Scotland Award.

940Saudi-led coalition military action against Yemen

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 7

Neale Hanvey

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Hannah Bardell

That this House condemns the UK Government’s continued facilitation of the supply of arms to the Saudi-led coalition bombing Yemeni civilians.

941Resist China Global Day of Action

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 4

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jim Shannon

Bob Blackman

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that 1 October is celebrated in The People’s Republic of China as National Day to officially commemorate the formal establishment of the nation; further notes that the Chinese government celebrates this annual day with a military parade in Beijing; recognises that The People’s Republic of China is reported to have up to three million Uyghur Muslims in concentration camps, forced 500,000 Tibetan farmers into labour camps, and a similar programme in the western Xinjiang (East Turkistan) region; welcomes the Resist China Global Day of Action to highlight the plight of millions; pressures the Government of The People’s Republic of China to release political prisoners; and urges the UK Government to use its power to work with international partners and allies to bring change and freedom to the region.

944Extension of protection measures for renters during the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 6

Jon Trickett

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

Caroline Lucas

Chris Stephens

That this House is concerned about the large number of tenants facing eviction as a result of the ban on evictions coming to an end as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased; notes with concern research by Shelter which found that 227,000 private renters have fallen into arrears since the start of covid-19 lockdown in March 2020; expresses concern that 1 in 6 parents who rent privately, equivalent to 458,000 people, have concerns that their family could become homeless as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; further notes with concern that while people served with an eviction notice from August 2020 have been given a six month notice period, that exemption does not apply to the estimated 55,000 people who received notice of eviction between March 2020 and August 2020; and calls on the Government to extend the ban on evicting renters during the covid-19 outbreak in order to avert a winter homelessness crisis.

945Black History Month 2020

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 20

Anne McLaughlin

Stuart C McDonald

Dr Philippa Whitford

Alison Thewliss

Sir Peter Bottomley

Ian Blackford

That this House notes that October is Black History Month and welcomes the many events and initiatives across these islands to mark it; resolves to encourage every single person living on these islands to take advantage of all events being online to raise their own awareness of the equal contribution made to the modern world by people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities; resolves to work towards the day when black history does not need a month of its own and is acknowledged, taught and celebrated every bit as much as white history.

946Glenkinchie Distillery Green Tourism Gold Award

Tabled: 30/09/20 Signatories: 8

Kenny MacAskill

Steven Bonnar

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates the Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian for its receipt of a Green Tourism Gold Award; welcomes the commitment of Diageo to improving the sustainability of its distilleries and attractions; notes that the Distillery has done significant work to achieve that award in the areas of water and energy usage, waste, nature conservation and travel; further welcomes the commitment from the team at the Distillery to continue the work of improving their environmental effect across the distillery complex and as a vital part of East Lothian’s high-quality drink and tourism economies; and looks forward to seeing that improvement in action as the distillery re-opens for business in the near future.

949Chinese, Korean and Japanese family festivals 2020

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 5

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Patrick Grady

That this Houses wishes a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival to our Chinese community and a happy Chuseok and Tsukimi to our Korean and Japanese communities, recognises that these are family orientated celebrations that are unfortunately being disrupted by the necessary restrictions in place across these islands; appreciates the huge cultural, economic and social benefits that diverse migrant communities have brought here; and believes they are an important and integral part of society and looks forward to celebrating future festivals with our friends and neighbours.

950Problem drug use

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 23

Tommy Sheppard

Ronnie Cowan

Ben Lake

Alison Thewliss

Grahame Morris

Caroline Lucas

That this House is appalled by the number of people dying from drug related deaths in the UK; welcomes the reports of the Scottish Affairs and Health Select Committees following their separate inquiries; supports the presentation of the Problem Drug Use Bill; notes that its implementation would ensure the drugs crisis is tackled from a health rather than justice perspective; further supports its calls to make provision for safe drug consumption facilities and to decriminalise the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use; and calls on the Government to declare problem drug use a public health emergency.

951Nigel Owens 100 Test Caps

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 4

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Mike Penning

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

That this House warmly congratulates international rugby union referee Nigel Owens for being selected to officiate the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup match between France and Italy; notes that this will be the 100th international Mr Owens has refereed, the first Official to reach the landmark; further notes that Mr Owens is the longest serving member of World Rugby’s elite international panel; congratulates Mr Owens for refereeing some of the biggest games in rugby history during his 17 year career including the 2015 World Cup final; and pays tribute to Mr Owens’ contribution to the game of rugby union and for being a global ambassador for Wales, the Welsh language and the LGBT+ community.

952International Day of Older Persons 2020

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Law

That this House welcomes the establishment by the UN General Assembly of the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October each year; believes that older people have contributed greatly throughout their lives and deserve dignity and fairness in retirement; recognises the significant contribution many continue to make in retirement; acknowledges the value of wisdom and experienced gained throughout long lives; notes research by Independent Age which found Pension Credit is currently being received by just six in 10 (61 per cent) of those who should be receiving it, and which estimates that around 450,000 pensioners could move out of poverty if uptake was increased to 100 per cent; expresses concern that the UK Government is allowing billions of pounds of Pension Credit to go unclaimed; and demands decisive action from the UK Government to maximise the uptake of Pension Credit including a UK-wide campaign to raise awareness.

953Nature Premium campaign

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 4

Tim Farron

Jonathan Edwards

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

That this House expresses its support for the implementation of a Nature Premium to fund regular nature experiences for all children; notes that Government and academic research has demonstrated that time spent in nature will benefit children’s mental and physical wellbeing and set them up to learn; further notes that a Nature Premium would be an effective way to support all children recovering from lockdown by increasing children’s physical activity thereby reducing obesity, increasing Vitamin D levels thereby helping to fight virus infections and reducing stress levels making learning easier; highlights that the Nature Premium would support schools to develop outdoor education provision creating safer learning environments, while saving money on increased mental health intervention provision; and further highlights that Natural England have reported the increasing trend that in the percentage of adults who think that learning outside or about nature is especially important for their child at this time; and acknowledges that the Nature Premium would make children happier and aware of how they fit into the natural world increasing their respect for the countryside.

95460 years of Nigerian Independence

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Hannah Bardell

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Nigeria on 60 years of independence from the United Kingdom; understands that just before midnight on 30 September 1960, the lights at what is now Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos were switched off and the British Union Jack lowered; notes that on the stroke of midnight on 1 October 1960 the lights went on again and the green white and green of the Nigerian flag was displayed signalling Nigeria becoming a fully Independent country; is not aware of any calls from Nigerians to return to British rule; commends the contribution many Nigerian citizens make to Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland; thanks, in particular, those Nigerians assisting and leading in the efforts to tackle Covid-19 in the UK; and wishes all Nigerians celebrating across the world a very happy 60th anniversary of Nigerian Independence Day.

955Kinross Colts FC's support for local businesses

Tabled: 1/10/20 Signatories: 4

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House commends the players and trustees of Kinross Colts FC for their innovative loyalty scheme system to help support local business during the pandemic; notes that their effort comes at a spectacularly difficult time for many businesses and for grassroots football clubs; further notes that eight businesses in the area have already signed up and more are encouraged; and finally thanks Kinross Colts for their hard work in the community, of which they are an extremely valued and integral part.