Contents

Published: Wednesday 11 November 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 10 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

1117Jim Newell of East Kilbride

Tabled: 10/11/20 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House celebrates the life of Jim Newell, a proud resident of East Kilbride, after hearing the news of his passing on the 28th September at the age of 83; noting his service to the Royal Navy as a young man and his role in the strike by workers who refused to repair the airplanes of the Pinochet regime in Chile at the Rolls Royce factory in East Kilbride where Mr Newell worked for over 20 years; recognises his contribution to East Kilbride through his founding and tireless support of East Kilbride Thistle Football Team, through his performances as part of the Greenhills Pantomime Club and the Greenhill Male Voice Choir, and as a long standing member of Greenhills Parish Church; and draws particular attention to Jim and his wife Jessie’s boundless hospitality and care for those most in need through fostering over 100 children during his lifetime, through which they are truly an example to us all.

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.

1042Result of the Bolivian presidential election

Tabled: 20/10/20 Signatories: 19

Richard Burgon

Jeremy Corbyn

Grahame Morris

Paula Barker

Mick Whitley

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House congratulates Luis Arce and the Movement Towards Socialism party on their victory in the Bolivian Presidential election on 18 October; notes that in his previous role as Economy Minister, Luis Arce oversaw a surge in growth, a sharp reduction in poverty and substantial investment in health and education and wider public services; further notes that these elections were the first held since a military-led coup ousted legitimate President Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, last November and forced him into exile abroad; condemns the wave of human rights abuses under the regime imposed by the military-led coup which especially targeted trade unionists, indigenous activists and Movement Towards Socialism activists; hopes that justice is done for all those whose rights were violated by the regime imposed by the military-led coup including those who lost their lives; regrets the response of the UK and US governments to the military-led coup in 2019; and calls on the Government to engage constructively with the new Bolivian government.

1044Local Government Pension Scheme

Tabled: 20/10/20 Signatories: 26

John McDonnell

Paula Barker

Clive Lewis

Jonathan Edwards

Ian Lavery

Ian Byrne

That this House notes with concern that with the prospect of potentially significant further cuts in jobs in local government, the Government is seeking to drive through plans to cut the pension or severance payments to public sector members of the Local Government Pension Scheme aged 55 and above; and supports those trade unionists campaigning both to expose the implications of the Government’s plans and to oppose their imposition.

1045Eden Court Theatre and Cinema's transformation into a community hub

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 15

Drew Hendry

Chris Law

Deidre Brock

Ronnie Cowan

Hannah Bardell

Carol Monaghan

That this House commends Eden Court Theatre and Cinema in Inverness on transforming into a community hub to provide an emergency response to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic situation across the Highlands; notes that workers at that venue have been providing help and support to the covid-19 response since March 2020 when that venue was forced to close; further notes that those workers have been nominated for a prestigious humanitarian award, the Achates Philanthropy Prize, which celebrates cultural giving across the UK; and wishes those workers all the best for the future.

10461st Battalion The Highlanders' Guinness World Record

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 19

Drew Hendry

Chris Law

Deidre Brock

Dr Philippa Whitford

Hannah Bardell

Ronnie Cowan

That this House congratulates the 1st Battalion The Highlanders for setting a new Guinness World Record for most attendees to complete a mental health course in 24 hours to mark World Mental Health Day; recognises that a total of 45 members from the area took part in the course, alongside 1,622 members from across the UK; notes that the 30-minute course discussed how to recognise the signs of poor mental health and ways to help to end the stigma and discrimination around those struggling with difficulties; and further notes that all those participants will receive a medal and official Guinness certificate to honour their achievements.

1047Scottish Poppy Appeal 2020

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 28

Drew Hendry

Chris Law

Gavin Newlands

Deidre Brock

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House recognises the excellent work of Poppy Scotland through the Scottish Poppy Appeal which runs annually from 26 October to 11 November; further recognises that the Scottish Poppy Appeal is Poppy Scotland’s largest fundraising campaign; acknowledges the importance of that appeal in paying tribute to the millions of people who lost their lives during conflict; and calls on the community to support the Scottish Poppy Appeal in recognition of the sacrifices made by service personnel.

1048National Mentoring Week

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 6

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the importance of mentoring, as young people, like the rest of society are facing monumental changes in their lives during the covid-19 outbreak; celebrates National Mentoring Week and The Diana Award who are ensuring that physical distancing during this challenging time does not exacerbate disconnection and disorientation for our young people as they continue to provide support, advice, friendship and constructive role modelling for young people across the UK; applauds the efforts of the over 100 hon. Members and Peers who have signed up for National Mentoring Week with the Diana Award and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mentoring, which is indicative of the value of mentoring; and hopes that such efforts are sustained for years to come.

1049Psoriasis Awareness Week 2020

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 11

Sir Edward Leigh

Alison Thewliss

Jim Shannon

Marion Fellows

Paul Girvan

Ian Mearns

That this House notes that Psoriasis Awareness Week takes place between 29 October and 4 November 2020; recognises the vital work of the Psoriasis Association in continuing to provide information, support and help to all those affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis during the covid-19 pandemic; further notes that this year’s Psoriasis Awareness Week will focus on types of psoriasis after identifying through the recent Priority Setting Partnership that there are many unrecognised knowns that have already been addressed by research but which are not familiar to patients and healthcare professionals; and calls on the Government to investigate ways to improve access to all relevant healthcare professionals for people with psoriasis whose essential treatment has been unfairly delayed by the impact of the recent covid-19 pandemic.

1051Closure of TSB Easterhouse branch

Tabled: 21/10/20 Signatories: 10

David Linden

Chris Law

Carol Monaghan

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Drew Hendry

That this House expresses disappointment in response to the news that TSB Bank will be closing its Easterhouse branch in Glasgow; notes that the closure of bank branches across the UK severely disadvantages the rural population, the elderly and people without access to appropriate technology; highlights that bank branches act as vital services for those unable to access online banking services; condemns the closing of that bank branch during a pandemic, which will undoubtedly cause people to travel further to access in person banking; and urges TSB to urgently reconsider its closure of the Easterhouse branch.

1058United Nations Day on 24 October 2020

Tabled: 22/10/20 Signatories: 40

Stephen Farry

Munira Wilson

Layla Moran

Clive Lewis

Andrew Gwynne

Gavin Robinson

That this House joins in celebrating United Nations Day on 24 October 2020, marking the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Charter coming into effect; acknowledges the significant contributions made by the United Nations Organisation and the other agencies of the United Nations System to international peace and security, humanitarian protection and assistance, the promotion of human rights, economic, social and cultural co-operation, the global environment and climate change, sustainable development and tackling poverty along with many other interventions; stresses the importance of a rules based international order and international co-operation around shared global challenges; and calls on the Government to ensure that the UK plays a proactive, leadership role in pursuing reform to ensure that the United Nations can have a more enhanced and effective role over the years ahead.

1059Cyprus 60th Independence Day and Famagusta

Tabled: 23/10/20 Signatories: 10

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.

1060Digital exclusion of asylum seekers

Tabled: 23/10/20 Signatories: 18

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

John McDonnell

Alison Thewliss

Kenny MacAskill

Drew Hendry

That this House recognises that asylum seekers in the UK receive cash support of £37.75 per week in the form of cash loaded on to an ASPEN debit card; notes that the Home Office describes this cash support as helping asylum seekers pay for essentials such as food, clothing and toiletries; considers that the ability to get online is also an essential need in modern society; appreciates that the need for online connectivity is particularly acute for asylum seekers, many of whom are vulnerable, isolated, and have family and friends trapped in dangerous conditions elsewhere around the world; regrets that many asylum seekers find themselves digitally excluded due to their inability to access affordable, reliable internet access through the asylum support system; understands that the ASPEN card system prevents asylum seekers from paying for efficient, low-cost mobile internet contracts through direct debit, and instead forces many to choose between purchasing prohibitively expensive pay-as-you-go data packages or affording other essentials such as food and toiletries; believes that it is grossly unfair that those with the lowest amount to live on are forced to pay the highest price to get online; thanks the Scottish Asylum Seeker Residents Association and Maryhill Integration Network for their work highlighting this important issue; and calls on the Government to widen the scope of asylum support system to ensure that asylum seekers can access affordable, reliable internet service, and provide a commensurate increase in the asylum support to cover these costs.

1061Kurdistan region in Iraq

Tabled: 23/10/20 Signatories: 3

Robert Halfon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Chris Stephens

That this House notes reports from the APPG on the Kurdistan Region in Iraq on a virtual delegation to meet Kurdistani leaders; fully acknowledges the crucial role of the Peshmerga in resisting the so-called Islamic State, that Kurdistan’s model of peaceful co-existence and equality are vital in continuing efforts to eradicate extremism, and that this is a vital UK interest; stresses the profound impact of covid-19 on oil revenues, which have fallen dramatically and may fade further as a proportion of the region’s income; further notes Kurdistan’s need to reform its public services and increase income from agriculture, tourism, and light industry with a bigger private sector and tackling corruption; wishes the KRG and the Iraqi Government the best in resolving their long-standing differences through the full implementation of Iraq’s federal constitution; believes that the APPG’s recommendations to the UK Government accord with its policy of supporting a strong Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in a unified Iraq; further believes that the UK Government should organise an official trade mission to encourage investment by private companies and public institutions; recognises the central importance of universities to the new economy; commends the suggestion that the UK Government send experts to Kurdistan to assess higher education and make recommendations for reform; endorses the APPG’s recommendation for skills transfer to Kurdistani MPs; and urges the Foreign Secretary to visit Kurdistan as soon as possible and organise an official visit by the KRG leadership to London to advance bilateral relations.

1062Tao Geoghegan Hart winner of the 2020 Giro D'Italia

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 6

Jonathan Edwards

Hywel Williams

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

That this House warmly congratulates Tao Geoghegan Hart from London and Team Ineos Grenadier on winning the 2020 Giro D'Italia; notes that Mr Geoghegan Hart becomes only the fifth UK cyclist to win a Grand Tour following in the footsteps of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Simon Yates and Geraint Thomas.

1063Lewis Hamilton's 92 Formula 1 victories

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 6

Jonathan Edwards

Hywel Williams

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Lewis Hamilton on winning his 92nd F1 Grand Prix in Portugal on 25 October 2020, thereby overtaking Michael Schumacher as the most successful driver of all time.

1064Proposed closure of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 7

Daisy Cooper [R]

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Kim Johnson

That this House regrets the abrupt and unexpected decision to close the Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS); encourages relevant stakeholders to reconsider this decision; notes that the ICwS stands at the heart of Commonwealth and Post-Colonial Studies; notes that the ICwS is the only postgraduate academic institution in the UK devoted specifically to the study of the Commonwealth; commends the ICwS as a national and international centre of excellence for policy-relevant research; notes that the ICwS provides the editorial and administrative office for the Human Rights Consortium, and the Refugee Law Initiative; recognises the role the ICwS plays as host to numerous interdisciplinary academic events, workshops and conferences; further regrets that the closure of the ICwS alongside the Institute of Latin American studies would be a critical blow to the School of Advanced Study, its staff, fellows and alumni; fears that this decision will do untold harm to Commonwealth and Post-Colonial Studies throughout the UK and further afield; notes that the decision will contribute to job losses in higher education institutions across the country; and calls for the immediate reversal of this decision.

1065Cancer Research UK Uniting Communities Award

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 7

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: 11

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: 7

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.

1068Nursing students placements during the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 15

Olivia Blake

Rachel Hopkins

Mick Whitley

Paula Barker

Grahame Morris

Ms Diane Abbott

That this House notes that in the first wave of the covid-19 outbreak, student nurses were rewarded with pay for their contribution to the response to the outbreak; further notes that throughout the covid-19 outbreak student healthcare workers have regularly worked 40 hour weeks, without pay, sick leave or death-in-service coverage, in high-risk areas and often having to find alternative accommodation at cost to themselves to ensure they do not put their families at risk; and calls on the Government to recognise and reward the efforts of healthcare students, alongside healthcare workers, to keep the country going throughout the covid-19 outbreak by paying them a fair wage for the hours they have worked.

1069WASPI women

Tabled: 2/11/20 Signatories: 22

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: 8

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: 7

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: 22

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: 7

Kenny MacAskill

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Alyn Smith

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: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

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: 6

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

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: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

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: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

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: 17

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: 12

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: 8

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: 20

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: 9

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.

1088Mr Alun Wyn Jones - most capped international rugby player in the world

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 7

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Patrick Grady

Steven Bonnar

This House congratulates Welsh national Rugby Union captain Alun Wyn Jones on becoming the most capped international rugby union player in the world; notes that Alun Wyn Jones reached an incredible 149 International caps on October 31 2020 during Wales v Scotland, overtaking former New Zealand captain Richie McCaw; further notes that Alun Wyn Jones made his Welsh rugby union debut in 2006 and has since helped Wales win four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and two World Cup semi-finals; recognises that Alun Wyn Jones has been selected for three Lions tours and played nine test matches; and pays tribute to Alun Wyn Jones for his contribution to the game of rugby union and Welsh national life as a whole.

1089Places of worship

Tabled: 3/11/20 Signatories: 21

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: 7

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: 6

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jim Shannon

Navendu Mishra

Bob Blackman

Martyn Day

Chris Stephens

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: 48

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.

1096Free school meal vouchers during the covid-19 pandemic

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 12

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.

1097Robert Fisk

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 7

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Ms Diane Abbott

Claudia Webbe

Sir Peter Bottomley

Hywel Williams

That this House pays tribute to the contribution of renowned foreign correspondent, Robert Fisk following his death on 30 October 2020; notes that Mr Fisk began his career with the Sunday Express before working for the Times and finishing his career with the Independent; further notes that Mr Fisk reported on conflict around the world, becoming one of the most respected commentators on the Middle East; recognises that during his career, Mr Fisk won the International Reporter of the year on several occasions as well as a host of other awards for his work, including the Orwell prize and the Amnesty International media award; further notes that Mr Fisk was fearless in his reporting, basing his stories on first-hand experience as opposed to what authorities wanted him to report; and notes that his forthright despatches and his willingness to hold power to account will be missed.

1098Falkland Islands mine-free declaration

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 8

Andrew Rosindell

Sir Mike Penning

Dr Julian Lewis

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Sir Peter Bottomley

Andrew Gwynne

That this House recognises the Falkland Islands will officially be declared mine-free on November 14 2020, fulfilling the UK's commitment of its clearance obligation under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention; notes that with this declaration the entire UK and her Overseas Territories will be mine-free; pays tribute to the members of the UK armed forces who contributed to mapping, fencing and clearing the minefields between 1982 and 2009 and the de-mining team from SafeLane Global Ltd who between 2009 and 2020 have destroyed over 10,000 mines and other items of unexploded ordnance; and understands that the project has released 23 million square meters of land allowing the access to large areas of ground which had been fenced off for 38 years.

1099Duty and tax-free shopping

Tabled: 4/11/20 Signatories: 27

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: 15

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: 22

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: 7

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: 5

Owen Thompson

Chris Law

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

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: 20

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: 34

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: 7

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.

1108Pet travel and tick treatment

Tabled: 9/11/20 Signatories: 5

Kenny MacAskill

John McNally

Andrew Gwynne

Chris Stephens

Gavin Robinson

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: 4

Joanna Cherry

Chris Stephens

Jonathan Edwards

Caroline Lucas

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: 36

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: 6

Ms Diane Abbott

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

Kate Osborne

Apsana Begum

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: 4

Jonathan Edwards

Hywel Williams

Chris Stephens

Ben Lake

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: 11

Ms Diane Abbott

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ian Lavery

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

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: 5

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Chris Stephens

Gavin Newlands

Alan Brown

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: 5

John Nicolson

Jonathan Edwards

John McNally

Chris Stephens

Alyn Smith

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: 8

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Carla Lockhart

Sir Mike Penning

Chris Stephens

Gavin Robinson

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.