Contents

Published: Tuesday 10 November 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 9 November 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

1107Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Layla Moran

That this House expresses deep concern regarding the current tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia; echoes the United Nations Secretary General’s calls for maximum restraint, as a full conflict between those two countries would be disastrous; urges both sides to respect the ceasefire and work together with the OSCE Minsk Group to secure a peace deal; calls on the Government to support efforts to provide humanitarian aid to civilians affected by that conflict and to promote and protect human rights and the rule of law in that region.

1108Pet travel and tick treatment

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Kenny MacAskill

That this House recognises the vital importance of improving the health and welfare of companion animals in the UK; notes with concern that there has been an increase in tick prevalence in the UK; and further notes reports of tick-borne diseases brought to the UK from pets that have recently travelled abroad; notes that the increase of tick-borne diseases could pose a serious danger to human and animal health; and urgently calls on the Government to ensure the re-introduction of compulsory tick treatments for all cats and dogs travelling to the UK from overseas under the Pet Travel Scheme.

1109Increase in violence against women in Turkey

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 2

Joanna Cherry

Chris Stephens

That this House is extremely concerned about the eroding of women’s rights in Turkey and notes the alarming increase of reported assaults and homicide against women over the past year; finds it concerning that that increase has occurred during a global pandemic which disproportionately impacts women economically; is concerned about the growing rhetoric of the Turkish Government and their officials including attacking women’s rights and threatening withdrawal from the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention to tackle violence against women; fears that that rhetoric is leading to an acceptance of violence against women; notes that the abuse of women by security personnel is particularly a feature against Kurdish women and women active in the women’s movement, trade unions and opposition political parties; encourages Turkey to implement the four pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and coordinated policies underpinned in the Istanbul Convention; shows solidarity to those protesting in Turkey to protect women’s rights and end the violence against women in their country; and calls on the UK Government to use its international influence to encourage the Turkish regime to end its dangerous rhetoric and fully implement the Istanbul Convention.

1110Dismissals of app-based courier and private hire driver workers

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 6

Ian Byrne

Apsana Begum

John McDonnell

Kate Osborne

Dan Carden

Zarah Sultana

That this House condemns the opaque and unjust process by which app-based couriers and private hire drivers working for companies such as UBER and Deliveroo can be blocked permanently from their accounts and thus effectively dismissed from their jobs; recognises that couriers and private hire drivers are key workers who are working on the frontline of the covid-19 pandemic and are often putting their own health at risk in the process; recognises that that practice of dismissal is leaving many key workers on low-incomes facing potential destitution; notes that transparency is lacking both in terms of what is expected of workers in those industries and around the reasons for their dismissal; further notes that workers are facing dismissal and destitution for reasons beyond their control such as technical issues with the company’s app; notes that such dismissals can be triggered by unfounded customer allegations or traffic delays, regardless of the worker’s length or quality of service; calls for all app-based companies to end unfair dismissals by implementing fair dismissal processes, including a hearing prior to dismissal, and the right to appeal a dismissal with union representation.

1111Renters rights in the covid-19 pandemic

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House notes the dispute between the tenants of Simpson House and Olympic House in Somerford Grove, Stoke Newington and their landlord Yiannakis Theophani (John) Christodoulou who is a Monaco-based British billionaire property developer, the owner of Yianis Group, a privately owned company with a portfolio of residential, hotel, retail and leisure properties in the UK and Europe; further notes the Government advice that As part of our national effort to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak it’s important that landlords offer support and understanding to tenants who may start to see their income fluctuate but notes that the renters in Somerford Grove have not had support and understanding from John Christodoulou in line with that Government guidance although they have asked for fair and reasonable rent adjustments from their landlord; notes that, far from entering into negotiations, residents have been harassed and spied on; calls on landlords nationwide to negotiate with tenants experiencing income fluctuations because of the covid-19 pandemic; and further calls on John Christodoulou to enter into negotiations with his tenants for fair and reasonable rent adjustments in the light of the covid-19 pandemic.

1112Wales World Cup of Darts champions

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Jonathan Edwards

That this House congratulates Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price on winning the 2020 World Cup of Darts by defeating England 3-0 in that final; notes that this is the first time that Wales has won that competition; and wishes both players well for the rest of the season.

1113VAT on facemasks and other personal protective equipment

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House notes that the Treasury has ended VAT exemptions for face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE); is concerned that increasing the price of masks and other PPE will discourage people from buying and wearing PPE in line with Government guidance; and urges the Government to reinstate the VAT exemption for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic, as a vital public health measure.

1114Dan Mihalache Romanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House pays thanks to Ambassador Dan Mihalache for his service as Romanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom; commends his strong role in improving the relationship, across all nations of the UK and between the UK and Romania; notes his passionate commitment to, and the valuable contribution of, the Romanian community in the UK along with his work to bridge gaps in the community; further notes that he is leaving this post in the coming weeks, and wishes him continued success in all of his future endeavours.

1115Advertising-funded media tax credit

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 1

John Nicolson

That this House recognises the importance of commercial radio stations; commends the hard work of those radio stations during the covid-19 pandemic, not only as a reliable source of local news, but also to provide a friendly voice to many people living alone; acknowledges the financial difficulty that a large reduction in advertising spend can cause such radio stations; and calls on the Government to introduce an advertising tax credit for UK advertising-funded media.

1116Inflammatory bowel disease

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the current challenges facing the 300,000 patients across the UK with inflammatory bowel disease; further notes that inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic and debilitating disease which can have a significant impact on the physical and mental well-being of patients, and can also greatly affect social interactions, family life, and one's work or studies; highlights the current variation in NHS care and treatment that inflammatory bowel disease patients receive across the UK; and supports the development of national standards for the care and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease to improve the quality of life for all patients with that disease across the country.

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.

1036Anniversary of the invasion of Famagusta

Tabled: 19/10/20 Signatories: 4

Bob Blackman

Sir Mike Penning

Jim Shannon

Sir David Amess

That this House supports the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements; endorses the Declaration of the European Parliament of 14 February 2012 on the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants; notes that the city of Famagusta in the Republic of Cyprus was captured by the invading Turkish forces in August 1974, that a section of Famagusta was then sealed off and remains uninhabited, under the direct control of the Turkish military, and that the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants would facilitate efforts toward a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem; further notes the 1979 High Level Agreement and UN Security Council Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) and the 2008 Report of the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament on Petition 733/2004; calls on the government of Turkey to act according to those UN Security Council Resolutions and Report Recommendations and return Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants, who must resettle under conditions of security and peace; agrees to forward this Resolution to President Nicos Anastasiades, Mr Mustafa Akinci, the UN Secretary General and the government of Turkey; and urges the Government, as a guarantor power of Cyprus, to call for Turkey’s cooperation.

1039Unionlearn

Tabled: 19/10/20 Signatories: 74

Grahame Morris

Mike Hill

Ian Mearns

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Ian Byrne

Kate Osborne

That this House recognises the exemplary and invaluable role played by Unionlearn in helping people acquire skills and qualifications to boost their job prospects and make a valuable contribution to the economy; applauds Unionlearn for aiding hundreds of thousands of learners at all levels, from basic numeracy and literacy to degree level qualifications; notes that during the past 12 years more than 40,000 Union Learning Representatives have been trained, and over a quarter of a million people are being given training and learning opportunities through their union every year; is appalled that the Government intends to axe this vital resource at such a challenging time for education, employment and the economy; and calls upon the Government to reconsider and reverse this damaging decision.

1039A1 [Amendment]

Tabled: 20/10/20 Signatories: 3

At end add 'and urges the Secretary of State for Education to consider the value Unionlearn offers in promoting skills and opportunities and to reinstate the scheme.'

1059Cyprus 60th Independence Day and Famagusta

Tabled: 23/10/20 Signatories: 9

Geraint Davies

Mr Virendra Sharma

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Sammy Wilson

Bob Blackman

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates Cyprus on its 60th anniversary independence day and supports the comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements; endorses the Declaration of the European Parliament of 14 February 2012 on the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants; notes that the city of Famagusta in the Republic of Cyprus was captured by the invading Turkish forces in August 1974, that a section of Famagusta was then sealed off and remains uninhabited, under the direct control of the Turkish military, and that the return of Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants would facilitate efforts toward a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem; further notes the 1979 High Level Agreement and UN Security Council Resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) and the 2008 Report of the Committee on Petitions of the European Parliament on Petition 733/2004; calls on the Government of Turkey to act according to those UN Security Council Resolutions and Report Recommendations and return Famagusta to its lawful inhabitants, who must resettle under conditions of security and peace; urges the UK Government, as a guarantor power of Cyprus, to promote Turkey’s cooperation and to forward this Resolution to President Nicos Anastasiades, Mr Ersin Tatar, the UN Secretary General and the Government of Turkey.

1065Cancer Research UK Uniting Communities Award

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

Paula Barker

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Auchterhouse’s Jo Williamson following his receipt of the Uniting Communities Award at Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope Awards; notes that Jo has been a campaign ambassador for Cancer Research UK since 2013, and has featured in adverts and met with Members of Parliament on behalf of the charity through this role; recognises that there is still more to be done in the campaign to raise funds and awareness of cancer; further recognises the hard work and dedication that campaigners like Jo are putting in across the country; and wishes Jo and everyone at Cancer Research UK the best for the future.

1066Thirteen year old Christian girl abducted, converted and married to a 43 year old man

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Sir Peter Bottomley

Paula Barker

Gavin Robinson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Dr Julian Lewis

That this House notes with grave concern reports from Pakistan that on 13 October 2020, a 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raja, was abducted from a street near her home in Karachi, forced to convert to Islam and marry the abductor, 43 year old Mr Ali Azhar; is further concerned that, despite her family producing a National Database and Registration Authority birth certificate showing Arzoo to be 13 years old, the authorities failed to stop the illegal marriage, and the Sindh Police has failed to rescue her so far; understands that Arzoo’s parents are being threatened by the abductor’s family and calls on the Government to lobby the Pakistani authorities to intervene and help Arzoo and other Pakistani Christian and Hindu girls who are kidnapped, forced to convert and marry their abductor every year.

1067PeachyKeen

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 6

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

That This House recognises the innovative work of Kirkcaldy-based PeachyKeen, who design and manufacture products that utilise human movement to generate electricity; notes the international reach these sustainable products are having, enabling enjoyable and interactive ways to improve fitness as well as powering equipment across all sectors from education and playparks, to pedal-powered discos; and further notes ongoing work with St Brycedale Church in Kirkcaldy to test the Jackson wheel which aims to provide sustainable energy to power the church lights at night.

1069WASPI women

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 18

Sir George Howarth

Andrew Gwynne

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

Navendu Mishra

John McDonnell

That this House notes with great concern the continuing unfair treatment of WASPI women; further notes that many of the women concerned had no prior notice that their pensionable age and eligibility was to be pushed back; draws attention to the ongoing injustice of the situation which has placed many women into poverty, even though they had taken all reasonable steps to prepare for their retirement; and calls on the Government to put right this injustice.

1070Children’s Hospices Across Scotland support for families of children with life-shortening conditions

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 7

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Kenny MacAskill

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises the tremendous contribution Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) makes in supporting families of children with life-shortening conditions; commends the extraordinary lengths gone to by the charity to continue this lifeline support throughout the covid-19 outbreak, including doubling their CHAS at Home service which provides highly skilled nursing care in the children’s own homes and setting up the UK’s first virtual hospice to offer families nursing, medical and pharmacy advice by phone and video; notes that CHAS offers invaluable bereavement support, money and benefits advice, and practical advice around covid-19, as well as a storytelling service for children at home, activity packs and art clubs, and virtual Clowndoctor visits; and believes that these achievements build on the seamless service CHAS offers in supporting the Scottish NHS and Scottish Government in pioneering the integration of multi-disciplinary teams, including providing the first hospital-based palliative care teams in the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow and specialist colleagues working alongside the NHS at hospitals in Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

1071Charity fundraiser Andrew Nicholson

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 6

David Linden

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House commends Glasgow East constituent, Andrew Nicolson, on his fundraising for the Glasgow North East foodbank; congratulates Mr Nicolson on meeting his fundraising goal of £5,000; highlights the fantastic work of Glasgow North East foodbank in providing emergency food parcels to help feed people in crisis, particularly during the covid-19 outbreak; calls attention to the fact that a report from the Trussell Trust has predicted a 61 per cent increase in the distribution of food parcels across its UK network from October to December, working out to approximately six parcels given out every minute; and notes that the fundraiser is open until 30 October 2020 and encourages all to donate to a worthy cause

1072Entry into force of Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 12

Caroline Lucas

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kirsten Oswald

Hywel Williams

Tommy Sheppard

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House notes that the United Nations adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2017; welcomes confirmation that 50 countries have now ratified this historic agreement which will enter into force in January 2021; further notes that upon entering into force the Treaty will ban nuclear weapons in participating states and generate international momentum towards global nuclear abolition; considers that the coming into force of this treaty offers the UK an opportunity to engage with an emerging global nuclear disarmament process; further considers that the Government’s stated commitment to global nuclear disarmament through its ratification of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, can be put into practice by also supporting this Treaty; and urges the Government to sign the Treaty and to bring forward a credible and timetabled plan for the disarmament of the UK's nuclear weapons.

1073Historic distillery in East Lothian reopens

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House welcomes the reopening of the historic Glenkinchie distillery located just south of Pencaitland after its refurbishment; understands Barbara Smith, managing director, brand homes for Diageo marked the official opening by planting a ceremonial tree; notes the grounds, that have been landscaped with wildflowers from the nearby Macplants nursery, are an inviting sight for visitors; understands the distillery with its rich history is much loved and cherished by locals and welcomes visitors from near and far to the facilities for tours, experiencing the tastes and smells of Scotland's beloved national drink; notes the refurbishment has been completed after a £1 million investment and was two years in the making as part of a wider investment in whisky tourism in Scotland; further notes the distillery prides itself on specialising and producing lowlands whisky; and we wish all the best to the bright future at Glenkinchie distillery, its team and all those who visit.

1074North Berwick artist shortlisted for national prize

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises the great work of the North Berwick based artist Jayne Stokes; understands Jayne has been put forward for 2020's The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition; notes her nominated piece Day by Day is made up of 132 miniature watercolour paintings, each documenting the local East Lothian landscapes she found sanctuary in during lockdown; understands the award is the largest and most prestigious watercolour competition in the UK; notes it aims to celebrate and reward excellence and originality; further notes the winners will be announced in The Sunday Times on 8 November 2020; and wishes Jayne all the very best of luck and well done on her nomination.

1075Community Carrot Co-operative

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises the great work of the co-operative community run shop the Community Carrot in Dunbar; understands the shop has been recognised as part of a parliamentary report on resilience of co-operatives in Scotland and how this has helped communities during the covid-19 outbreak; notes the report was produced by the Scottish Parliament's cross party group on co-operatives called Revive and Thrive: Why Co-ops are pivotal to a fairer, stronger Scotland; understands the Community Carrot became community-run 12 months ago and has 600 members and produced around 350 vegetable boxes per week during lockdown when premises were closed; notes it worked in partnership with other local businesses and community organisations to supply and deliver to many across East Lothian; and wishes the Community Carrot all the best to come and a huge thank you for all they did during the pandemic and continue to do for the local community.

1076East Lothian Brownies remember polio victims

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House notes the Cockenzie chapter of the Brownies have planted thousands of crocuses in Port Seton with help from the Port Seton Rotary Club, to mark and remember those who have died and continue to suffer from polio; understands that on 17 October 2020 the groups planted crocuses in Goolwa Park as part of the Rotary Clubs Purple-4- Polio Project that aims to end polio worldwide; notes that together the Brownies and Rotary club planted 4,000 crocus corms that will bloom come the spring for many to enjoy; further notes they also planted crocuses in a heart shape in support of the NHS and their work during the covid-19 outbreak; recognizes that this is a wonderful community initiative raising awareness of polio and thanking the NHS; and looks forward to enjoying the beauty of the blooming crocuses come the spring.

1077Two East Lothian locals nominated for Health Walk Volunteer of the Year award

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates East Lothian residents Sue Jardine and Elaine Peach on their nomination for the Health Walk Volunteer of the Year award; understands they were recognised for their significant contribution towards improving the health and wellbeing of people within their local community; the women volunteer with Ageing well East Lothian and took part in the training with Paths for All, launching their own walking groups in their local areas of Aberlady and Haddington; notes the endeavour has kept mind and body healthy and allowed for exploring areas of East Lothian they would never have otherwise been exposed to; notes it has been particularly beneficial to many in the community coming out of lockdown; and wishes Sue and Elaine all the best of luck with the virtual awards ceremony hosted by BBC Scotland and all the best with everything in the future.

1079Peter Krykant and drug consumption van facility

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 13

Alison Thewliss

Grahame Morris

Patrick Grady

Ronnie Cowan

Jim Shannon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House is concerned to learn that Peter Krykant, who recently set-up a drug consumption van in Glasgow city centre, has been charged and cautioned by Police Scotland; understands that Mr Krykant set up the facility in an attempt to help and support people with addictions; firmly believes that the work he is doing helps to reduce harm and save lives; is grateful for the action taken by a volunteer of the service to save the life of an individual recently by administering Naloxone; is aware that individuals are being driven to these types of interventions as a result of Home Office opposition to the establishment of a Supervised Drug Consumption Facility (SDCF); urges Ministers to view this critical issue not as a criminal justice one, but through the lens of public health and in the context of increasing numbers of drug-related deaths across the UK, in order to properly support people with addictions; and demands that the Government amend the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 immediately to allow for SDCFs to operate legally.

1080Ethnicity pay gap reporting

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 11

Martyn Day

Patrick Grady

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House notes the efforts of Business in the Community to help cross-sector employers better understand ways that ensure the UK workplace is a place that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) employees, business owners, entrepreneurs and communities feel they belong; further notes the potential benefit to the UK economy is estimated at £24 billion annually if BAME individuals are fully represented across the labour market; notes its concern that racial disparities have been highlighted by the covid-19 pandemic; regrets that leadership and management roles across public and private sectors does not reflect equity of the BAME population; urges the Government to introduce mandatory ethnicity pay gap reporting alongside gender pay gap reporting; and further urges the Government to require employers to set and publish targets so that BAME individuals are better represented at senior levels.

1085Martin Donaldson's fundraising efforts

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 7

David Linden

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Glasgow East constituent Martin Donaldson on raising over £3,000 for the Celtic FC Foundation and British Heart Foundation; notes that Mr Donaldson cycled nine miles every day for nine weeks, completing a virtual cycle around all Scotland’s top flight football grounds from his shed in the East End of Glasgow, covering a distance of 920km; commends Mr Donaldson on undertaking such an intense physical challenge for two worthy causes; and looks forward to Mr Donaldson receiving further donations.

1086Delays to NHS fertility services as a result of the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 19

Steve McCabe

Ms Harriet Harman

Caroline Lucas

Siobhain McDonagh

Layla Moran

Christine Jardine

That this House acknowledges the delays to NHS fertility services caused by the covid-19 outbreak, and the distressing impact of these delays on fertility patients; further notes the imposition of strict female age limits for NHS-funded IVF by CCGs in England, which range from 34 to 42 years old; recognises that in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, commitments have been made to stop the clock for fertility patients to ensure they do not exceed age limits for NHS-funded IVF due to pandemic-related delays; shares concerns raised by BPAS Fertility, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and others, that no such directive has been issued in England; further recognises that fertility patients in England are already subject to an unacceptable postcode lottery due to disparities between CCGs’ commissioning policies, which commonly diverge from NICE guidance; urges the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to issue guidance to CCGs on the issue of covid-19 delays, to promote a standardised approach across England and offer reassurance to all fertility patients during the pandemic, regardless of where they live; and finally urges the Secretary of State to confirm in said guidance that fertility patients affected by the delays should not be disadvantaged as a result of their age, and no patient who has crossed an age threshold since fertility clinics were instructed to close on 23 March 2020 should be considered ineligible for care on that basis.

1087Creating a welfare system that works for disabled people

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 8

Hywel Williams

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House recognises the serious challenges and barriers disabled people face within the welfare system; further recognises the impact that the covid-19 outbreak has had on people with disabilities; notes that research by Scope has found that, on average, disabled people face extra costs of £583 a month; calls on the Government to use the upcoming Welfare Green Paper and National Disability Strategy to ensure that the welfare system works for disabled people by removing conditionality and sanctions for disabled claimants, removing the need for face-to-face assessments and replacing the Work Capability Assessment with a new assessment for financial support and a new, separate and optional assessment of employment support needs; and further calls on the Government to build on the temporary changes made to the welfare system during the covid-19 outbreak to make permanent improvements to the system.

1089Places of worship

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 16

John Spellar

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Paula Barker

Claudia Webbe

Ian Lavery

That this House recognises the considerable role played by places of worship of all faiths in providing support to communities and individuals; is deeply concerned at the impact on mental health and personal wellbeing, especially on the the elderly, of the closure of places of worship during the period of new national covid-19 lockdown restrictions; calls on the Government to publish the evidence that the banning of communal worship is an effective part of controlling the covid-19 rate of infection; and urges the Government to urgently engage with faith leaders to reach a better arrangement for the period of the new national covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

1090High Street Heroes Awards

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 6

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Douglas Chapman

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this house congratulates all those in the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency who have been honoured in the High Street Heroes Awards for the ways that they have helped their communities during the recent covid-19 outbreak; recognises that the Crafty Wee Birdie in Nairn, The Inverness Business Improvement District and The Dolphin Chip Shop in Nairn were Highly Commended for their efforts in the High Street Heroes Awards; further recognises that Kevin Waddington of the Post Office and Village Store in Kiltarlity, Martin MacDougall of Inverness and Swanson’s Food Wholesalers in Nairn were recognised as High Street Heroes; and pays tribute to all those who were not recognised in those awards but who have paid a vital part in helping the local community during the covid-19 crisis.

1091Celebrating Fifth Annual Ayurveda Day on Friday 13 November 2020

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 5

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jim Shannon

Navendu Mishra

Bob Blackman

Martyn Day

That this House celebrates the Fifth Annual Ayurveda Day on 13 November 2020, first celebrated by the Government of India in 2016; notes that in the midst of an international health crisis, Ayurveda, the science (Veda) of life (Ayus), offers a time-tested tradition of holistic and multi-faceted approaches to health and wellbeing; acknowledges Ayurveda as an ancient system of natural healthcare; recognises the World Health Organization’s recognition of Ayurveda’s ethos and value to humanity as preventative and curative for a wide range of health conditions, both physical and mental; notes ‘health’ means ‘wholeness’ and therefore a holistic approach to the promotion of health is needed, at the heart of which is a comprehensive health education programme to bring the individual and society to harmony; further notes that Ayurveda addresses well-being through personalised dietary and lifestyle management strategies that are specific to an individual's unique physical and psychological constitution in all stages of life; and urges the Government to ensure that its National Health Service Long Term Plan, with its stated commitment to prevention of ill-health and promotion of good health, is supported through considering Ayurveda at all levels of the National Health Service.

1092Universal Basic Income pilots

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 47

Beth Winter

Ronnie Cowan

Jim Shannon

Kenny MacAskill

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

That this House acknowledges that the current system of social security provision in the UK is not sufficient to provide financial security nor protect public health during the covid-19 outbreak; asserts that the provision of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) would establish a targeted system with no gaps and an income floor that nobody could fall below, with the effect of reducing poverty without reducing the incentive to work; notes that local authorities and devolved Governments across the four nations of the UK have called for pilots of UBI in their communities; and calls on the Government to provide co-operation through the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions, in addition to financial support, to enable those pilots to take place.

1093Elections for the Shura Advisory Council

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 10

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Sir David Amess

Mark Tami

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Margaret Ferrier

That this House welcomes the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, that the country will hold elections for its Shura Advisory Council next October; recognises that these elections are an important step, as they will allow Qatari citizens to elect Shura Council members for the first time; expresses the hope for the fair and free conduct of these elections; and looks forward to further democratic reform in Qatar as a result.

1096Free school meal vouchers during the covid-19 pandemic

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 9

Jon Trickett

Kim Johnson

Ms Diane Abbott

Navendu Mishra

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House expresses dismay at the decision by the Government not to extend free school meals to eligible children during school holidays during the covid-19 outbreak; notes that the proposed second lockdown will plunge more families into poverty; notes that such a decision places over 11,000 children in Wakefield District and 1 million nationally at risk of going hungry during the school holidays; believes that such a decision highlights a lack of compassion and understanding of the challenges facing many working people across the country, who are increasingly struggling to make ends meet as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, forcing holiday hunger; applauds the actions of actions of Wakefield Council for committing to provide these children with food vouchers during the upcoming Christmas period and expresses gratitude to the vital role community organisations in Hemsworth constituency and elsewhere in the country have played during the October half-term break provide food to families and children who need it the most; and calls on the Government to provide funding to provide food vouchers for all children eligible for free school meals until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and publish an action plan to end food poverty once and for all.

1099Duty and tax-free shopping

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 26

Gavin Newlands

Alyn Smith

Alan Brown

Martyn Day

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

That this House notes the recent Government consultation on the continuation of duty and tax-free shopping for visitors from outside the EU, including the published summary of responses which indicated a majority of respondents supported the continuation of the VAT Retail Export Scheme (VAT RES) and the airside Extra Statutory Concession (ESC); expresses concern that despite those responses, HM Treasury has indicated that it plans to scrap the RES and ESC schemes at the beginning of 2021; further notes that those schemes support hundreds of jobs at Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen Airports and across the wider Scottish retail and aviation sectors at a time when the economy faces its biggest set of challenges since World War Two; understands the removal of RES and ECS will directly result in the loss of hundreds of jobs in Scotland and thousands around the UK; and calls on the Government to abandon its plans to end RES and ECS and engage in real dialogue with businesses and trade unions on how best to support retail and aviation employment in the future.

1100Support for hostels

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 11

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Patrick Grady

Ben Lake

John McDonnell

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House notes that hostels have been hit particularly hard by the covid-19 outbreak; further notes that shared spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are often part of a hostel's business model and that this has made operating at full capacity, and even reopening, difficult for many while operating within the necessary public health guidelines; acknowledges that many hostels had viable business models and were flourishing before the covid-19 outbreak; recognises that many hostels play a key part in the rural economy, bringing visitors who support other local businesses; further recognises that in rural areas, hostels are often used by people who intend to take part in outdoor activities and that ensuring that people can still access healthy outdoor holidays at accessible prices will be important after the covid-19 outbreak; stresses that hostels must be supported so that they are ready to open and return to full capacity as soon as restrictions can be lifted; and calls on the Government to underpin health measures with economic support and urgently put packages of support in place for the hostel sector.

1101Potential merits of a minimum wage floor in the furlough scheme

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 20

Richard Burgon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kate Osborne

Navendu Mishra

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Olivia Blake

That this House notes with deep concern recent data from the Office for National Statistics showing that over 2 million workers have been paid less than the National Minimum Wage this year; further notes that this is a near five-fold increase on 2019; believes that it is unacceptable that anybody is ever paid less than the National Minimum Wage; notes that the ONS figures show that the vast majority of this increase in those paid below the minimum wage is the result of workers being put onto the furlough scheme; and calls on the Government to introduce a floor in the furlough scheme to ensure that no worker is paid less than the National Minimum Wage.

1102Sports chaplain Steve Nash

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Sir Peter Bottomley

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

That this House commends sports chaplain Steve Nash on his sterling work to provide wellbeing and mental health support to his local football team, Newtongrange Star; notes that Steve, a volunteer with wellbeing charity Thistle, has been drawing on his own experiences as he looks to support players at the club who may be suffering and in need of someone to talk to; further notes that during lockdown he maintained contact with players and staff by creating a regular chatty email covering topics including pacing, planning your day and being kind to ourselves and has continued this after lockdown with regular articles published by the club; and recognises the vital role sports chaplains play, as by having a chaplain, players can talk to someone in complete confidence about how they’re feeling and any issues they are having and managers can focus on developing their players as a team.

1103Ageing Well Midlothian voluntary group

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 4

Owen Thompson

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Ageing Well Midlothian on winning the Health Walk Group of the Year at the 2020 Paths for All Volunteer Awards; understands that the group organises 15 walks each week and hosts an annual walk each year attracting people in the hundreds; further congratulates Ageing Well Midlothian on its 20th birthday recently; notes that the group was commended at the first ever Paths for All virtual awards ceremony hosted by BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker on 4 November; and further notes that the Paths for All Volunteer Award is set up as an opportunity to say thank you to local volunteer groups and the people that run them.

1104Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 14

Kirsten Oswald

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Sir Peter Bottomley

Claudia Webbe

Steven Bonnar

Deidre Brock

That this House notes that 25 years ago, on 8 November 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act received Royal Assent; recalls that this landmark piece of legislation was the result of a hard-fought campaign by disabled people, with up to 100,000 disabled activists taking part in direct action, campaigning for equal rights and an end to the kind of societal discrimination that saw wheelchair users regularly banned from bars, cinemas and theatres under the guise of health and safety; records that, under this Act, for the first time, it became unlawful to discriminate against disabled people, as employees, customers and citizens using public transport or getting an education; considers that the Act was an important milestone and a recognition of disability equality and disability rights, but notes that many felt it did not go far enough; recognises that, despite it now being against the law, disabled people are still discriminated against, in work, in public places, for example by assistance dog owners being refused access to restaurants and taxis, and with huge swathes of public transport still inaccessible; and joins disability campaign groups in calling for a fresh look at the future of disability equality and what needs to change in all aspects of society, including what steps are needed to ensure that anti-discrimination laws are backed up by meaningful enforcement.

1105Campaign for a real living wage

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 25

Chris Stephens

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Claudia Webbe

Steven Bonnar

Andrew Gwynne

Kenny MacAskill

That this House welcomes Living Wage Week and the PCS Union campaign for a real living wage for their members working on outsourced Government facilities management contracts; applauds these front line key workers who have continued to work throughout the pandemic making workplaces safe and secure despite being some of the lowest paid workers across Government; is concerned that numerous Government Departments are yet to make the payment of the Living Wage a term of their facilities management framework agreements; is aware that the Cabinet Office Framework Schedule highlights social value and states that public authorities to have regard economic, social and environmental wellbeing in connection with public services contracts; notes that 75 per cent of businesses say the Living Wage has increased motivation and retention rates for employees; and 93 per cent of business have said that the Living Wage has benefited their business; and therefore calls on Government to meet their social value responsibilities and ensure that all Government workers on outsourced facilities management contracts are paid a real living wage.

1106Midlothian winners of Scotland Loves Local High Street Heroes awards

Tabled: 5/11/20 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Steven Bonnar

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates those Midlothian businesses that have been awarded in this year’s Scotland Loves Local High Street Heroes Awards; notes that these awards seek to recognise and honour those local businesses who have supported their communities and provided essential services during the coronavirus pandemic; congratulates David Seez of Gravity Bottle Shop in Penicuik, Danielle Finland of Carr Gomm Visiting Service, Nikki Sives, Manager of Carr Gomm Midlothian Visiting Service and the staff of Carr Gomm Midlothian Visiting Service on their receipt of the High Street Heroes Award; congratulates Asim Iqbal of Premier Convenience Store, Roslin and June Horne of Penicuik Ambassadors for being Highly Commended, and congratulates Penicuik Alliance for being awarded as Regional Champion; thanks the Scottish Government for supporting these awards through funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership; and notes that this year these awards received more than 1,200 nominations, which demonstrates how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another during these difficult times.