Contents

Published: Thursday 26 November 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 25 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

1184Winner of The Booker Prize 2020

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Scottish-American author Douglas Stuart on winning the Booker Prize 2020 for his debut novel, Shuggie Bain, a raw and beautifully tender story based on his own experiences growing up in poverty in 1980s Glasgow with a mother battling addiction; further congratulations him on being only the second Scottish author that has won this prestigious prize for literature; hopes this achievement will inspire other young authors in the UK and abroad to produce world class literature; and wishes Douglas Stuart continued success with his second book Loch Awe and all other future endeavours.

118530th Anniversary of Castle Espie Centre in Comber

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the 30th Anniversary of Castle Espie Centre in Comber; congratulates the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre, who do phenomenal work in biodiversity and protecting the natural environment, on reaching this wonderful milestone; and extends best wishes for the future of this wonderful information and environmental centre that promotes the 4 priorities of using wetlands to tackle climate change by capturing carbon, reducing flooding, support biodiversity and improve human well-being.

1186Paid helpline for gas and electricity suppliers

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

John Nicolson

That this House draws attention to the issue of paid helplines for gas and electricity suppliers; highlights that the use of 03 numbers in this context can cost up to £0.35p a minute; condemns this excessive price, as it excludes customers on a low income or universal credit from being able to address their issues; and recommends that these essential helplines are free to use for all customers.

1187Covid-19 and fuel poverty

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House notes with concern that 2.4 million households are living in fuel poverty, with research by National Energy Action finding that an average of 9,700 deaths a year in the UK are caused by living in a cold house; further notes with concern that thousands of household are facing increased financial hardship this winter due to the impact of covid-19; believes that current financial support available to customers in vulnerable circumstances is insufficient; and calls on the Government to increase targeted financial support to those at risk of fuel poverty and the energy sector to proactively offer additional support to vulnerable customers to ensure they are receiving the cheapest energy tariff.

1188Financial support for self employed people during the covid-19 outbreak

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House notes with concern research from the National Audit Office which has found that 2.9 million freelancers, contractors and newly self-employed are excluded from the Government's Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which estimates that 38 per cent of individuals with self-employment income are ineligible for the support scheme; expresses disappointment that whilst the latest version of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme expands levels of financial support available, an expansion of eligibility for the scheme has not been forthcoming from the Government; believes that the continued suspension of the minimum income floor of Universal Credit is inadequate to meet the needs of all those locked out of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme; and calls on the Government to urgently expand the eligibility criteria of its provision for Self-Employment income support in order to prevent millions of people facing financial hardship.

1189£20 weekly increase to universal credit

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Jon Trickett

That this House acknowledges that the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit has provided much-needed, vital support to millions of people during the covid-19 outbreak; expresses disappointment that there was no commitment to making this increase permanent in Spending Review 2020; notes with concern analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which found that ending the £20 increase in April 2021 will leave roughly 16 million people in families facing an overnight loss of £1,040 a year; further notes that the £20 uplift has not applied to legacy benefits during this crisis; and calls on the Government to make the £20 uplift in Universal Credit permanent and also applying this increase in payment to all legacy benefits.

1190Endometriosis and access to statutory support

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis and Endometriosis UK for their important inquiry into the challenges faced by those with the condition and the publication of their report entitled Endometriosis in the UK: Time for Change; notes that endometriosis is a chronic and sometimes debilitating condition which can have a significant impact on a person’s life; further notes that the inquiry found that for those whom the condition is so debilitating that they are prevented from working, it is often difficult to access support such as Personal Independent Payments and Universal Credit; acknowledges that the current definition of Statutory Sick Pay fails to properly recognise long-term conditions like endometriosis; calls on the Government to ensure that those with endometriosis have access to Statutory Sick Pay; and urges the Department of Work and Pensions to review their guidelines and training for assessors to ensure that they understand the impact of endometriosis so that those who are severely affected by the condition are able to access the benefits they need.

1191Statue of Baroness Thatcher

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Andrew Rosindell

That this House commemorates the thirtieth anniversary of the departure from office of Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister of the UK on 28 November 1990; recognises that Mrs Thatcher was one of the longest serving British Prime Ministers in history, as well as being the first female Prime Minister of the UK; notes with sadness the absence of a statue commemorating her in Parliament Square; and calls on the Government to make provisions in conjunction with the relevant authorities and with the agreement of the Thatcher family, for the erection of a statue of Baroness Thatcher, to be located on the vacant corner of Parliament Square, on the other side to that of Sir Winston Churchill, to be in place in time for the one hundredth anniversary of Margaret Thatcher’s birthday in 2025.

1192Girlguiding Scotland’s Media Mindful campaign

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House congratulates Girlguiding Scotland on the launch of its Media Mindful campaign to support girls and young women to challenge sexism in the media; understands this campaign has been created by the charity’s Speak Out champions, a group of young women age 14-25; notes the campaign stems from Girlguiding Scotland’s forthcoming Girls in Scotland research, which found 68% of girls aged 11-21 feel newspapers, magazines and influencers on social media need to do more to stop reinforcing gender stereotypes; further notes the group has worked with the University of Strathclyde and Gender Equal Media Scotland to create the Media Mindful challenge pack with activities to develop media literacy skills; expresses concern that gender stereotypes and sexism in the media are having a negative impact on the happiness and mental health of many girls and young women; recognises the calls by the Speak Out champions on media outlets to commit to taking a gender sensitive approach when creating content, to promote a diverse range of women, and to treat women equally as content creators, contributors, employees and subjects; notes the organisation is encouraging everyone to take part in a week of action between 23-29 November 2020 in the ChangeTheHeadline challenge on Twitter, to correct sexist news headlines; and encourages politicians to support the campaign by taking part in the week of action, calling out gender stereotyping in the media when they see it, and by sharing the Media Mindful supporter sign on their social media channels.

1193Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Andrew Rosindell

That this House recognises the historic Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium in Manchester was the first purpose-built dog track in the United Kingdom when it opened in 1926; notes that it has also been used for speedway and stock car racing; understands that it is now subject to closure due to the current covid-19 outbreak having a particularly negative effect on it being able to operate; recognises the important role this stadium has played for the sporting life of Manchester for nearly a century now; and calls on the Government to explore every avenue available which might save Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium from closing forever.

1194The 0.7 per cent overseas aid commitment

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House expresses concern and condemnation of any attempt by the Government to reduce aid spending by ending the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) on Overseas Development Assistance; notes that the 0.7 per cent target was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970, was first achieved by the UK in 2013, has been met every year since, and is currently enshrined in law through the International Development Act 2015; recognises that maintaining the commitment was part of the Conservative Party manifesto the Government was elected on in December 2019; acknowledges the significant cross-party support for the commitment with a further six parties supporting spending 0.7 per cent of GNI on aid at the last general election; notes that the Independent Commission for Aid Impact has found that the Government’s approach to managing the target has become increasingly effective and well-coordinated; understands that UK aid spending makes a significant contribution to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, tackling global challenges such as eradicating poverty, promoting gender inequality, and taking action on climate change; is deeply worried that the UK aid budget is already experiencing drastic reductions due to the fall in GNI which will be compounded by the end of the 0.7 per cent commitment; believes that it is unacceptable to turn to neglect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly while the covid-19 pandemic drives more people into poverty; and calls on the Government to live up to its international responsibilities and maintain the 0.7 per cent aid commitment.

1195Logan Street Tenants and Resident’s Association

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates the Logan Street Tenants and Residents Association in Blantyre on their hard work this year working together with local agencies and South Lanarkshire Council to improve living conditions in and around Logan Street in Blantyre; notes the vital support the Association has provided to local tenants and their children during the time of the covid-19 outbreak; recognises their achievements over this year, such as a reduction in cars accessing Logan Street illegally and working together with the housing services to provide better lighting for the street; highlights the particular work they have done with local children, including providing sweets bags for children for Halloween and graduations and arranging free internet access and tablets; and therefore thanks Logan Street Tenants and Residents Association and all such local resident support groups for the vital role they play in our local communities.

1196Carers Rights Day 2020

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House acknowledges the estimated 13.6 million people across the UK who are providing unpaid care; recognises the importance of Carers Rights Day 2020, taking place on 26 November 2020, in raising awareness of the work of unpaid carers and ensuring they are informed about their rights and entitlements; notes the very difficult challenges that unpaid carers continue to face as a result of the covid-19 outbreak, and the increased levels of care they are currently having to provide; and stresses the urgent need for more support to be given to unpaid carers, ahead of the 2020 Winter and beyond.

1197Fife's universal basic income pilot readiness

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House recognises Fife’s readiness to participate in a Universal Basic Income (UBI) trial; asserts that such a pilot would be desirable, particularly for its potential impact on poverty and employment; notes that the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government has thanked Fife Council for its continuing interest in piloting such a scheme; and understands the constitutional barriers preventing progress on the issue in Scotland as the Scottish Government are currently denied the necessary range of social security or tax powers to legislate for the introduction of a UBI, as the current devolved powers are inadequate to implement any sustainable variation of it, including payments at local authority level.

1198Ending period poverty in Scotland

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House congratulates the Scottish Parliament on its continued cross party work to tackle period poverty; recognises that from the first action to back Women for Independence's campaign to have maternity towels included in baby boxes through to becoming the first country in the world to make period products freely available to all who need them, the Scottish Parliament's work on period poverty is world leading; applauds the important role played by many organisations and individuals who have campaigned tirelessly on period poverty for many years such as Girlguiding Scotland, Scottish Women's Aid, Women for Independence, Engender, On The Baw and many more; understands the need to break down the barriers to education and work for women and girls; and recognises that ending period poverty is a key way to allow women and girls to fulfil their potential.

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.

1155Virtual participation in debates

Tabled: 17/11/20 Signatories: 57

Dawn Butler

Jonathan Edwards

Jamie Stone

Mohammad Yasin

Sir Peter Bottomley

Wera Hobhouse

That this House notes with deep concern that some Members have not been able to take part virtually in debates, which means that those Members have been disenfranchised; further notes that this, in effect, disenfranchises those constituents who are left without a voice in House of Commons debates; recognises that several Members are shielding from coronavirus or are clinically vulnerable; believes in the equal right of all Members to participate in Commons proceedings; and calls on the Government to ensure that the remote participation motion is open to debate for all Members and held as a free vote.

1161Electrical Fire Safety Week

Tabled: 18/11/20 Signatories: 16

Yvonne Fovargue

Jim Shannon

Olivia Blake

John McDonnell

Paula Barker

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes that the 23rd to the 29th of November is Electrical Fire Safety Week (EFSW) which is run by the charity Electrical Safety First in co-operation with the Home Office’s Fire Kills campaign; commends the Charity’s work to reduce fires caused by electricity of which there are more than 14,000 each year; and notes that this year’s theme for EFSW is harms caused by the sale of unsafe electrical goods on online marketplaces; recognises that online marketplaces are not subject to the same regulations as the high street with online marketplaces viewing themselves as virtual landlords; further notes the important work of Electrical Safety First in raising awareness of this issue; further recognises that more consumers will be shopping online this Christmas due to restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus outbreak; notes that a Censuswide survey conducted for Electrical Safety First shows that 58 per cent of consumers will use online marketplaces for their Christmas shopping, with 59 per cent of these respondents viewing them as safer than the high street; and recognises that now, more than ever, it is important to ensure consumer safety when shopping online; and urges the Government to improve the legislation relating to online marketplaces to ensure that consumers are protected from the sale of unsafe electrical goods on these platforms; and urges the Government to broaden the scope of the expected Online Harms Bill to include the sale of unsafe electrical goods on online marketplaces.

1166British Overseas Territories Citizenship

Tabled: 19/11/20 Signatories: 23

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rachel Hopkins

Claudia Webbe

Kim Johnson

Stephen Farry

Christine Jardine

That this House notes under the British Nationality Act 1981 children born outside of marriage to British Overseas Territories fathers, before the 1st July 2006 are deemed illegitimate and are prevented from inheriting their father’s citizenship by descent; further notes that this does not apply if the child’s mother is from a British Overseas Territory or if the child was born after the 1st July 2006; recognises that Section 65 of the Immigration Act 2014 granted children of British mainland fathers the right to claim citizenship through their father’s descent, but this right was not afforded to children of British Overseas Territory fathers; is concerned by the inconsistencies and discriminations that exist in this law as well as its outdated attitude towards children born outside of marriage; is pleased by the Home Secretary’s recent admission that this law needs to be changed; and urgently calls on this government to introduce the necessary legislation to address the discrepancies in this law.

1167In-person immigration bail reporting

Tabled: 19/11/20 Signatories: 12

Olivia Blake

Rachel Hopkins

Claudia Webbe

Kim Johnson

Apsana Begum

Paula Barker

That this House notes that immigration bail reporting was suspended for the duration of the first covid-19 lockdown in the interest of public health and that individuals were permitted to, and did successfully, report safely from home via phone or text for the duration of the lockdown; further notes that despite the global pandemic, in-person reporting has resumed for the second national lockdown; and calls on the Government to immediately suspend all physical immigration bail reporting until the end of the second national lockdown, and to continue this beyond the national lockdown for any regions with additional covid-19 public health restrictions.

1171Book Week Scotland 2020

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Amy Callaghan

That this House welcomes Book Week Scotland 2020, an annual celebration of books and reading across Scotland, from 16th to 22nd November 2020; recognises that this event, which is now in its ninth year, is organised by the Scottish Book Trust with support from partners, and represents Scotland’s biggest celebration of reading and writing; understands that, due to the covid-19 pandemic, the week cannot go ahead as normal, however thanks to the tireless work of organisers, libraries and various community groups throughout Scotland, notes that the celebration will go ahead in a digital format instead, continuing to provide a diverse and engaging programme of activities to celebrate books and reading; notes that this year’s theme is the Future, and that the annual writing project has created a free book, with 50,000 copies distributed to libraries, schools and other community venues across the country, as well as being available to download online; understands that during the covid-19 pandemic, many people have turned to books as a welcome escape, and even in the digital age books remain as relevant and popular as ever; further recognises Scotland’s rich literary heritage and welcomes this event as it seeks to inspire the next generation of Scottish writers, poets and authors; and wishes the event every success in its goal to celebrate the joy of reading.

1173VisitScotland first national tourist organisation to join Tourism Declares Initiative

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 8

Brendan O'Hara

David Linden

Alan Brown

Drew Hendry

Gavin Newlands

Allan Dorans

That this House welcomes VisitScotland’s commitment to playing a leading role in the development of Scotland as a globally-recognised responsible destination by becoming the first national tourism organisation in the world to join the Tourism Declares Initiative; congratulates partners comprising one hundred travel groups, businesses and individuals including Wild Scotland and Sail Scotland who have declared under the banner Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency; commends the formation of that Initiative which recognises the importance of balancing business survival with a sustainable and responsible recovery from the covid-19 outbreak; and notes that that Initiative encourages positive contributions towards addressing climate change ahead of COP26 including reducing emissions, working with communities and focusing on responsible, green tourism, in line with Scottish Government’s targets to become net-zero by 2045, and the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, as well as a long-term commitment to increase promotion of public transport and active travel.

1176VAT Retail Export Scheme

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 3

Tracey Crouch

Sir Peter Bottomley

Bob Blackman

That this House expresses its concern at the Government's decision to abolish the VAT Retail Export Scheme, otherwise known as tax-free shopping, from 1 January 2021 with inaccurate determinations having been made of the impact of that decision; acknowledges that since that decision was announced, businesses have been facing the challenges posed by new covid-19 restrictions and that that decision will worsen that situation; believes that by implementing that decision thousands of job losses could be caused around the UK; recognises that since that announcement, France has lowered its threshold for international shoppers to claim back VAT and Ireland has extended its scheme to include the UK, making the UK the least competitive market in Europe for international shoppers; notes that no businesses have spoken up publicly in favour of that move but many have warned of its consequences; calls on the Government to avoid causing significant damage to the retail and hospitality sector in the UK and to not bring forward the required legislation to implement that decision; and further calls on hon. Members to vote to annul any Statutory Instrument on that matter if it is laid before this House.

1179Red Wednesday and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 8

Fiona Bruce

Jim Shannon

Alexander Stafford

Martyn Day

Brendan O'Hara

Bob Blackman

That this House marks 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls and Red Wednesday, a day which highlights the plight of those who are persecuted for their religion and beliefs; notes that many already marginalised religious and belief communities have faced intensified discrimination since the outbreak of covid-19; expresses concern that some of these communities have been blamed for the virus and that this scapegoating has contributed to the reports of individuals being attacked, denied aid or otherwise prevented from accessing life-saving humanitarian interventions; further expresses concern that refugees, internally displaced people and prisoners of conscience are particularly vulnerable during the pandemic; condemns the use of the virus by China and other states as an excuse to further violate the rights of marginalised religious or belief communities; recognises that women from marginalised religious or belief communities face the above pressures but also encounter unique persecution and challenges due to their gender; expresses deep concern that these women have become much more vulnerable since the outbreak of covid-19 resulting in increased cases of domestic violence and kidnapping and forced marriage, as seen in the case of 14-year-old Maira Shahbaz and 13-year-old Arzoo Raja in Pakistan; and urges the UK Government and the international community to act to mitigate the impact that covid-19 has had on freedom of religion or belief globally and, in particular, on women and girls who are doubly discriminated against because of their gender and their beliefs.

1180Re-open churches for public worship

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

Bob Blackman

That this House notes the discussions taking place between the Government and the devolved legislatures on a greater degree of consensus on how various restrictions are implemented in the run up to Christmas; and calls on the Government to include in the discussions the issue of the re-opening of churches for public worship, during what is for many people a very significant and important time of year.

1181Conflict in Ethiopia

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 6

Layla Moran

Jamie Stone

Ed Davey

Jonathan Edwards

Daisy Cooper

Sarah Olney

That this House is deeply concerned about the escalation of conflict in Ethiopia; condemns the deliberate killing of innocent civilians; sends its sincerest condolences to all those who have tragically lost loved ones as a result; notes the estimated 4,000 refugees per day fleeing Ethiopia; further notes the UNHRC’s warning of a full-scale humanitarian crisis if the conflict continues without imminent de-escalation; calls on the Government to use all diplomatic means it can to assist de-escalating the violence and resolving the underlying conflict; and therefore also urges the Government to ensure the Official Development Assistance budget is maintained to ensure Ethiopian civilians receive adequate support and aid.

1182The situation in Iran

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 6

Layla Moran

Jamie Stone

Ed Davey

Jonathan Edwards

Daisy Cooper

Sarah Olney

That this House recognises the people of Iran are suffering terribly as a result of covid-19; acknowledges that it is vital that medical aid and other humanitarian assistance reaches them; notes that the coronavirus crisis does not stop at any border; and therefore calls on the Government to work with its partners and allies to ensure that there is a coordinated international response to the pandemic; further calls on the Government to work with international and EU partners to revive the Iran nuclear deal as a step toward greater stability in the region; urges the Government to secure the indefinite release of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and other UK-Iran dual nationals held in Iran; and further notes that the violation of individuals’ human rights is never acceptable, and that the UK, Iran and others must work together to ensure this does not occur.

1183German teacher of the Year

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 2

Kenny MacAskill

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Suzanne Ritchie, a Modern Languages teacher from North Berwick High School on winning the German Teacher of the Year award from the German Embassy; acknowledges the embassy’s recognition of her outstanding dedication and tireless support of the teach of the German language; notes her desire to give her pupils a sense of wonder in the teaching of languages; and echoes deputy head of culture and education at the German Embassy Dr Susanne Frane’s recognition of Miss Ritchie’s impressive commitment inside and outside of [her] classroom every day.