Contents

Published: Wednesday 2 December 2020

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 1 December 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

1217Midlothian’s Young People's Advice Service

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House congratulates Midlothian’s Young People's Advice Service (MYPAS) on their successful funding award of £63,000 through the Community Support and Services Framework (Mental Health and Wellbeing) at Midlothian Council; welcomes the news that this funding will enable MYPAS to recruit a Family Counsellor and an Art Therapist which will enable them to resume their family counselling service which was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and allow them to increase and develop their art therapy services to local young people facing crisis; recognises that MYPAS are a young person’s health and wellbeing organisation based in Dalkeith who provide vital information, support and advice on a range of subjects to young people in Midlothian and East Lothian; acknowledges the award was part of a bid by Midlothian’s Children and Wellbeing Service which is made up of five local agencies, Home Link Family Support, MYPAS, Play Therapy Base, Midlothian Sure Start and Play Midlothian; and thanks MYPAS and everyone involved in providing this much needed service and wishes them every continued success for the future.

1218British Game Week 2020

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the conclusion of British Game Week which ran from 23-29 November; further notes the enjoyment displayed by this year’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here when some tried Venison for the first time; and encourages people to continue to enjoy wonderful British Game Meat as part of their balanced diet.

1219Disability Awareness Week Northern Ireland

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

That this House notes Disability Awareness Week NI which runs from Monday 30 November - 4 December 2020; highlights that the Arts Council of Northern Ireland will be revisiting and highlighting some of the amazing arts organisations that work with people with disabilities; congratulates the Public Health Agency NI in cooperation with DCS District Council on their hard work to bring this awareness week online with links to visual art and performances; and thanks all of those involved in sending the message that differences should be celebrated and to promote health and well being in these difficult days.

1220Effect of covid-19 on disabled people and employment

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 4

Wera Hobhouse

Caroline Lucas

Wendy Chamberlain

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act, an important step towards equality for people with disabilities; recognises the disproportionate impact of the covid-19 pandemic on disabled people; notes with concern that 71 per cent of disabled people employed in March have been impacted by loss of income, furlough or unemployment; expresses concern that the covid-19 pandemic could exacerbate negative conceptions of disabled people’s ability to work; believes that the Government must show leadership to ensure the UK does not lose the progress it has made towards equality for disabled people in the workplace; and calls on the Government to introduce a Jobs Guarantee for newly unemployed disabled people.

1221Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House welcomes Crohn’s & Colitis Awareness Week; notes the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on diagnosis, access to specialist advice, investigations and surgery for people with Crohn’s and Colitis; appreciates the care provided by healthcare professionals in Inflammatory Bowel Disease services during the pandemic; recognises the role of Crohn’s & Colitis UK in providing essential information and support to the 500,000 or the 1 in 133 individuals and their families who are living with the conditions across the UK; welcomes the 2019 IBD Standards; and urges the Government to adequately fund IBD services and prioritise access to endoscopy and surgery for people with Crohn’s and Colitis, appropriately alongside other conditions, given the significant implications of delaying critical interventions and procedures on both physical and mental health, relationships and finances.

1222University of Glasgow awarded Times Higher Education University of the Year 2020

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 2

Patrick Grady

Carol Monaghan

That this House congratulates the University of Glasgow on being named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards on 26th November 2020; recognises that this is in recognition of the University’s work to redress its historic links to slavery through a reparative justice programme, which included the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the West Indies and the foundation of a Glasgow-Caribbean Centre for Development Research which commits the University of Glasgow to raising and spending £20 million over the next 20 years, and scholarships for UK students of African and Caribbean heritage; acknowledges the report, Slavery, Abolition and the University of Glasgow, by Dr. Stephen Mullen and Prof. Simon Newman, the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, which revealed the institution’s historic connections with Atlantic slavery, having received significant financial support from people whose wealth was derived from slavery and continuing to benefit from this capital; pays tribute to the many years of anti-racist and Black activism from organisations such as the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Flag Up Scotland Jamaica and many others who have opened up these vital conversations about Glasgow’s past; and echoes the University’s commitment that this should be a start but certainly not an end point in their work to help achieve racial justice and equality.

1223Independence Day in Finland

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 1

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises and celebrates Independence Day on 6 December 2020 with the people of Finland, a thriving, prosperous and successful country within the European Union, who gained their independence from Russia in 1917; and commends their democratic Government and acknowledges their innovative programmes for homelessness, healthcare and social services, their holistic approach to governance of their 5.5 million people economically, socially and emotionally, which has resulted in Finland being recognised by the World Health Organisation as the World's happiest country for the third year running.

1224Gryffe High School named Sunday Times Scottish state school of the year

Tabled: 1/12/20 Signatories: 1

Gavin Newlands

That this House congratulates Gryffe High School which has been named The Sunday Times Scottish State School of the Year by Parent Power, The Sunday Times School Guide; commends the leadership of Head Teacher Colin Johnson and the hard work of teaching and support staff across the school; praises the pupils not just for their academic success but their work in the community and beyond; and recognises that this achievement follows Gryffe High School becoming the first secondary school in Scotland to receive an ‘excellent’ grade under Education Scotland’s short model inspection format.

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.

1150Let LIVE Thrive campaign

Tabled: 17/11/20 Signatories: 18

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Sir Peter Bottomley

Paula Barker

Munira Wilson

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House recognises the existential crisis facing the live events industry in the UK as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; notes the significant contribution that music, theatre, sport and other live events make to the economy; recognises the potentially dire consequences for industry organisations and professionals if the necessary insurance cover cannot be obtained soon; and calls on the Government to work with the insurance sector to underwrite contingency insurance for the live events industry, as proposed by the Let LIVE Thrive campaign.

1151Misuse of fireworks

Tabled: 17/11/20 Signatories: 13

Sarah Owen

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Grahame Morris

Olivia Blake

That this House notes the unplanned use of fireworks can cause considerable distress to animals and vulnerable people in communities and notes the petition supported by over 252,000 people calling for limits on the sale and use of fireworks to licensed displays; and calls for a Government review of current legislation on the sale and use of fireworks, to reduce the numbers of unplanned and random firework use each year, to reduce maximum noise levels and to license all public displays.

1152The potential merits of a Care Leaver Department for Work and Pensions marker

Tabled: 17/11/20 Signatories: 13

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Sir Peter Bottomley

Chris Law

Douglas Chapman

Stuart C McDonald

That this House recognises that Care Experienced people experience unique challenges in childhood that often mean they require additional support as they transition into adulthood; understands that when Care Experienced people leave care, they can face homelessness and financial difficulty resulting in the need to access Universal Credit; acknowledges that the process of application for Universal Credit is overly bureaucratic and complex for most; consequently appreciates that for care leavers, support to navigate this system is required; notes that under the current system there is no way to formally identify whether or not a claimant is a care leaver; and therefore calls for the Government to honour its commitment to introduce a care leaver marker into the Universal Credit system, as was present in the previous benefits system.

1153Care-Experienced bursary

Tabled: 17/11/20 Signatories: 16

Anne McLaughlin

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Peter Bottomley

Chris Law

Douglas Chapman

That this House understands that Care Experienced people’s education is often interrupted in childhood as a result of being removed from home; recognises that statistically, Care Experienced people are less likely than their peers to attend further and higher education; appreciates that many Care Experienced people re-engage with education later in life, often when they have families of their own to support; notes that Care Experienced people are entitled to a Care Experienced Bursary when in further or higher education; is concerned that the Bursary is considered as an income by the Universal Credit system, leaving many Care Experienced people financially worse off in education than they were on Universal Credit; and calls on the Government to ensure that the Care Experienced Bursary is discounted as income under the Universal Credit System, thereby allowing the bursary to fulfil its ethos as a payment intended as additional to other benefits.

1156Dementia and the covid-19 pandemic

Tabled: 18/11/20 Signatories: 17

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Olivia Blake

John McDonnell

Paula Barker

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes the profound and disproportionate impact of covid-19 pandemic on people with dementia and their carers; appreciates the heroic efforts made by family members and friends to care for their loved ones during the pandemic; acknowledges the challenges faced by those with dementia and their carers, including irregular opportunities to visit loved ones in care homes, a lack of personal protective equipment and insufficient testing for care home staff, and inadequate pay, terms and conditions for many frontline care staff; welcomes the Government’s trial of visitor testing in care homes; calls on the Government to consider the recommendations in the Alzheimer’s Society’s report entitled Worst Hit: dementia during coronavirus, including ensuring that family carers are given key worker status and; urges the Government to use the upcoming Spending Review to ensure that dementia services, including research organisations, are adequately funded.

1160National Consumer Week 2020

Tabled: 18/11/20 Signatories: 13

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Sir Peter Bottomley

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House commends National Consumer Week 2020 which runs from the 16 to 22 November; pays tribute to the excellent work undertaken by Advice Direct Scotland which runs Scotland's national consumer advice service, consumeradvice.scot, Trading Standards Scotland and Citizens’ Advice Scotland to protect and support consumers; understands that this year’s campaign will focus on Online Shopping and Deliveries; notes the increasing numbers of consumers shopping online due to the covid-19 outbreak and applauds efforts to encourage consumers to shop online safely, know their rights, be wary of unfair delivery charges and be on guard against counterfeit goods; and acknowledges the importance of helping consumers recognise and avoid online shopping scams while supporting legitimate businesses, as well as providing advice and support if something does go wrong.

1163Anniversary of the Bhopal poisonous gas leak

Tabled: 18/11/20 Signatories: 27

Navendu Mishra

Paula Barker

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Barry Gardiner

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

That this House remembers the terrible disaster that took place on 2 December 1984 in Bhopal, India, when a major poisonous gas leak from the Union Carbide pesticide plant resulted in more than 600,000 people being exposed to the highly toxic methyl isocyanate gas, thousands of people dying and many more suffering serious and life-changing injuries; notes that Amnesty International has stated that more than 100,000 people now live with contaminated water supplies and exposure to the chemicals, as well as a range of health problems and chronic illnesses caused by the disaster; further notes that current owners, Dow Chemicals, need to rectify the environmental damage and properly compensate the victims and their families; and commends the work of the Trades Union Congress and Unison Union in campaigning on this issue and calls on those responsible to be brought to justice so that the victims who have been waiting 36 years for justice finally receive closure.

1166British Overseas Territories Citizenship

Tabled: 19/11/20 Signatories: 26

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.

1170Obashi Falkirk

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 5

John McNally

Martyn Day

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

That this House recognises that Obashi, a Falkirk-based start-up has joined an elite world organisation - the World Economic Forum’s Global Innovators Community and its centre for the Fourth industrial revolution; recognises that Obashi is the first start-up in Scotland to be invited to that community; notes that the global innovators community is a select, by invitation-only group of the world's most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are the forefront of technology and business model innovation; asserts that, as part of that global innovators community, Obashi will help define the global agenda on key issues with a particular focus on shaping the future of technology governance-artificial intelligence and machine learning; and congratulates the company and its founders, Fergus Cloughley and Paul Wallis, on joining that global innovators community.

1171Book Week Scotland 2020

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Amy Callaghan

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.

1172Charity lotteries and the Gambling Review

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 5

Daisy Cooper

Sir Mike Penning

Ronnie Cowan

Tommy Sheppard

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the Government’s intention to review the Gambling Act 2005, especially in light of the need to tackle problem gambling; notes the huge success of charity lotteries in raising funds for a wide range of good causes across the country, which is particularly important given the impact of the covid-19 outbreak on charity fundraising; notes that charity lotteries, although classed as a gambling product are widely considered low risk from a problem gambling perspective; and calls on the Government to recognise this distinction between charity lotteries and the rest of the gambling sector as it reviews the Gambling Act 2005 and ensure that policy on that matter is differentiated accordingly.

1173VisitScotland first national tourist organisation to join Tourism Declares Initiative

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 10

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.

1175National Mining Museum Scotland

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 3

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange on being awarded £140,000 of funding from Museums Galleries Scotland; recognises the important role played by the National Mining Museum Scotland in raising awareness of and educating people about Midlothian and Scotland’s proud mining heritage; notes that that award includes a contribution towards operational costs, supports the recruitment costs and three months’ salary costs of a new Operations Manager, a staff structure review, urgent electrical testing and repair work and the installation of new LED lighting; further notes that that funding will come from Museums Galleries Scotland’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, which aims to secure the future of Scottish independent museums put at risk by the covid-19 pandemic; and recognises that many museums face deep uncertainty due to the covid-19 pandemic and therefore thanks Museums Galleries Scotland for working to support the sector through the covid-19 crisis and ensure that museums continue to play a vital role in our national life and in our local communities.

1176VAT Retail Export Scheme

Tabled: 23/11/20 Signatories: 14

Tracey Crouch

Sir Peter Bottomley

Bob Blackman

Andrew Rosindell

Sir Desmond Swayne

Jack Lopresti

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.

1178Share Alike in East Kilbride

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 3

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House recognises the selﬂess eﬀorts of Annmarie Campbell and Share Alike in East Kilbride; commends the dedication of the Share Alike team for providing of over 24,600 meals, 860 period poverty packs, 21 new baby and mother packs, 226 mental health packs and 42 new home starter packs during the covid-19 restrictions; thanks the volunteers involved in the community food distribution program; commends the dedication of everyone involved in providing essential food parcels to those most in need throughout the constituency; acknowledges the selﬂess commitment to alleviating food poverty and loneliness by maintaining vital links between Share Alike and the most vulnerable in the community; praises the action taken by Share Alike and partner volunteer organisations towards reducing waste and encouraging local supply of food produce; applauds the dynamic approach of Annmarie and Share Alike to improve existing services, developing and pioneering new ways of delivering key, essential support to those in need through extending the wellbeing operations in the community; respects the commitment to the community support programme provided by Share Alike who recently secured a three year lease in a prime town centre location for a wellbeing cafe under a new charity umbrella organisation called Take Five; and shows respect to the overwhelming work co-ordinated and inspired by Annmarie Campbell and everyone at Share Alike for their eﬀorts to provide a sense of belonging, safety and wellness throughout the community by promoting mental health awareness and making sure anyone who needs help receives it.

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

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 11

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.

1183German teacher of the Year

Tabled: 24/11/20 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Margaret Ferrier

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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.

1184Winner of The Booker Prize 2020

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 9

Chris Stephens

Brendan O'Hara

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

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.

1186Paid helpline for gas and electricity suppliers

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 8

John Nicolson

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Allan Dorans

John McDonnell

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: 14

Jon Trickett

Ian Lavery

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Allan Dorans

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: 16

Jon Trickett

Ian Lavery

Claudia Webbe

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

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: 19

Jon Trickett

Ian Lavery

Claudia Webbe

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

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: 7

Liz Saville Roberts

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

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.

1196Carers Rights Day 2020

Tabled: 25/11/20 Signatories: 8

Dr Lisa Cameron

John McNally

Claudia Webbe

Allan Dorans

John McDonnell

Andrew Gwynne

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: 8

Neale Hanvey

Ronnie Cowan

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

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: 12

Anne McLaughlin

Steven Bonnar

Patrick Grady

Ronnie Cowan

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

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.

1200Jobs at the Rolls Royce Barnoldswick site

Tabled: 26/11/20 Signatories: 26

Grahame Morris

Mick Whitley

Paula Barker

Kate Osborne

Dan Carden

Navendu Mishra

That this House is angered by the decision by Rolls-Royce to cut 350 highly skilled jobs at its site in Barnoldswick, Lancashire, and offshore this work to Singapore; condemns the company’s decision to lock workers out of the site until after Christmas without any meaningful consultation or negotiation over these plans; notes that the company has received substantial Government support as part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; believes that Rolls-Royce therefore has a duty to do everything in its power to retain jobs here in Britain; calls on company management to keep the site open pending talks to resolve the current industrial dispute and secure the future of work at the site; urges Ministers to ensure that taxpayer support for businesses based in the UK should be conditional on binding undertakings not to transfer work from the UK offshore; calls on the Government to hold urgent discussions with Rolls-Royce management and Unite the Union in order to save the jobs at Barnoldswick; and expresses its full support for and solidarity with the Rolls-Royce Barnoldswick workers in their struggle to save these jobs, not just for themselves but for future generations.

1201Closure of BBC Sinhala Radio Service

Tabled: 26/11/20 Signatories: 13

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Kate Osborne

Claudia Webbe

Claire Hanna

Daisy Cooper

That this House notes with concern the decision of BBC World Service to close the Sinhala radio broadcast service, which serves the Sinhalese majority in Sri Lanka who constitute around three-quarters of the population; notes that Sri Lanka has experienced much unrest in the last several decades, and is currently the subject of warnings from human rights organisations regarding the deteriorating situation, resulting in its inclusion in the FCO's top 30 Human RIghts Priority Countries; further notes the potential security implications posed by the country’s developing relationship with the People’s Republic of China; understands the long term strategy of investing in building digital audiences, but observes that currently 7% of the SInhalese population listen to the radio service each week, compared to just 0.6% who use digital services; and therefore calls on BBC management to reverse the closure announcement and continue to invest in this valuable news service.

1202The work of Kim McLachlan

Tabled: 26/11/20 Signatories: 10

Chris Stephens

Carol Monaghan

Brendan O'Hara

Drew Hendry

Jonathan Edwards

David Linden

That this House recognises the life and work of Kim McLachlan a UNISON activist throughout her 37 year career in housing, who died on 16 November 2020; recognises her work as a steward in Glasgow City Branch and her work at the heart of the trade union and community campaign to oppose the Glasgow Housing Stock Transfer in 2003, which sadly was narrowly lost, following which Kim became a leading and integral member of the new Glasgow Housing Branch of UNISON; and sends deepest condolences to her family and loved ones at this time; further recognises that under her leadership as Branch Secretary the branch underwent a name change to UNISON Housing and Care Scotland to reflect the expansion of the Wheatley Group, with than came trade union recognition in Dunedin Canmore Housing Association, who previously did not recognise trade unions; recognises Kim McLachlan's contribution to UNISON Scotland and nationally as well as her role as Chair of the Community Housing Association Committee of UNISON’s Community Service Group Executive; further recognises the high regard in which she was held by her many comrades, friends and colleagues; and offers condolences to those who knew her at this time.

1203McCulloch Rail, Ballantrae, South Ayrshire

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 3

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates McCulloch Rail a highly successful family business specialising in rail handling and rail logistics on being awarded the highly coveted Rail Plant Reliability Programme Gold Award; the company based in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, having previously achieved the Bronze and Silver Awards, provide a highly specialist range of plant and equipment with several unique and innovative technologies making rail handling and rail logistics safer, together with more efficient working practices, earning the reputation of being the UK’s number one company in its field; and notes that with their outstanding record of reliability, quality of service and innovation, they have seen demand for their expertise, plant and training increase significantly with continued development of the business planned across the world including Australia, New Zealand the United States and Canada.

1204Scottish Beer Awards 2020 Midlothian winners

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Midlothian-based breweries Stewart Brewing and Cross Borders Brewing Company for their success at the Scottish Beer Awards 2020; notes that this year marked the 5th annual Scottish Beer awards which was held as a digital awards experience on Thursday 26 November 2020 and sought to give recognition and reward to the best breweries, beers and teams in Scotland’s brewing sector; commends Cross Borders Brewing Company for being awarded the silver award for Best IPA for India Pale Ale and Best Beer Bar for its Portobello Tap; further commends Stewart Brewing for being awarded the gold and bronze awards for Best Pale Ale for Kai Pai and Masterplan respectively; notes also that Stewart Brewing’s Craig Scotland was awarded Brewer of the Year; and stresses the importance of the brewing sector to Scotland’s economy by creating jobs, improving our international food and drink reputation and helping SMEs to flourish.

1205Craig Scotland named Brewer of the Year 2020

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Craig Scotland on being awarded Brewer of the Year at the Scottish Beer Awards 2020; notes that Craig is Head Brewer at Midlothian-based brewery Stewart Brewing; commends him for his skill and hard work, which has contributed to Midlothian’s growing reputation in the brewing sector; notes that this year marked the 5th annual Scottish Beer awards which was held as a digital awards experience on Thursday 26 November 2020 and sought to give recognition and reward to the best breweries, beers and teams in Scotland’s brewing sector; and stresses the importance of the brewing sector to Scotland’s economy by creating jobs, improving Scotland's international food and drink reputation and creating a space for SMEs to flourish.

1206No Recourse to Public Funds

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 20

John Cryer

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Caroline Lucas

Ms Harriet Harman

Kate Osamor

Ed Davey

That this House believes that the Government has a duty to ensure that everyone living in the UK is protected from both the health and financial impacts of Coronavirus; understands that long before the pandemic No Recourse to Public Funds restrictions have pushed migrants and their families into poverty and homelessness; recognises that migrants with NRPF have been forced to choose between continuing to work throughout the pandemic or providing for their families; is deeply concerned that migrants who may lose their jobs as unemployment levels rise are at high risk of hardship and destitution; believes that preventing people from entering destitution should be a priority and is more effective than waiting until local authorities have a duty to intervene; believes NRPF restrictions are nothing more than a cost-shunt on to local authorities who are already struggling under the weight of funding cuts; recognises that although the policy allows for applications on a case-by-case basis to have the condition removed, it is incredibly difficult in practice, does not prevent abject poverty, and may unfairly lengthen the route to settlement by five years; further recognises that the hostile environment in all its forms increases racial discrimination; and calls on the Government to urgently suspend NRPF conditions.

1207International Volunteers Day

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 12

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

John Nicolson

Martyn Day

That this House recognises International Volunteers Day on 5 December 2020; welcomes this day as an opportunity to celebrate volunteers, promote volunteerism and recognise volunteer contributions; and further recognises and pays thanks to the many volunteers who have been at the forefront of medical, community and societal responses throughout the covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

1208Small Business Saturday

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 14

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

John Nicolson

Martyn Day

That this House welcomes Small Business Saturday 2020 on the 5 December; notes that this successful, grassroots campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to shop local and support small businesses in their communities is now in its eighth year in the UK with a record 17.6 million people choosing to shop small on this day in 2019; recognises that this has been a year with unprecedented challenges for small businesses; and encourages everyone to support local businesses this festive season and beyond.

1209Eighteenth anniversary of Strathaven being named the first Fairtrade town in Scotland

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House celebrates the eighteenth anniversary of Strathaven being named Scotland’s first Fairtrade town by the Fairtrade Association, a milestone that takes place on 27 November 2020; remembers all the tremendous cooperation that took place between local churches, businesses, primary schools and the South Lanarkshire Council to ensure that Strathaven received this award back in 2002; draws special attention to the fact that the Strathaven Fairtrade group was the first Fairtrade group in Britain to include in its constitution support for local farming; notes the continued support of local community members who (in normal times) sell Fairtrade products on the Traidcraft stall at local celebrations such as Gala Days, Reindeer Day and the local Balloon Festival; and finally highlights the continued support of the local council and local businesses in stocking Fairtrade produce.

1210Human Rights in Sri Lanka and the Relocation of the BBC Sinhala Service

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 2

Barry Gardiner

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the recent Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office reports that the human rights environment in Sri Lanka worsened, with the continuation of surveillance and intimidation of activists and human rights defenders, the detention without charge of a high profile human rights lawyer, and a presidential pardon of the only member of the armed forces convicted of a wartime atrocity; further notes the withdrawal of the Government of Sri Lanka's support for UN Human Rights Council resolutions 30/1, 34/1, and 40/1 on post-conflict transitional justice, accountability and reconciliation, coupled with the Sri Lankan military forming task forces operating beyond parliamentary scrutiny and being given oversight of civilian functions, as a result of the delays to parliamentary elections without the reconvening of the Sri Lankan Parliament; believes now is not the time to be re-locating the BBC Sinhala service to India with the consequent loss of jobs in the UK as well as the experience, continuity and ability to report impartially on events and to hold the government and military of Sri Lanka to account for their actions; and therefore urges the BBC to reconsider its decision.

1211Delivering Joy campaign

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House commends the staff of the Clydebank Dunelm Mill store for their altruistic and generous work with the company’s non-profit Delivering Joy campaign; notes that some members of staff have worked tirelessly above and beyond their contracted working hours on a voluntary basis to encourage donations and work with the local community to deliver Christmas gifts to the most vulnerable children in the area; believes that the staff have highlighted with the campaign, the harrowing effects of domestic abuse on families and on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women donated 50 of their gifts to a local woman’s aid; and hopes this philanthropic and generous act will promote goodwill and giving at a time when the community needs it most.

1212Loch Lomond Brewery and the Scottish Beer Awards

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Loch Lomond Brewery for winning brewery of the year at the prestigious Scottish Beer Awards, understands that it was also successful in winning the best branding award and believes that its success is thoroughly deserved; notes that those involved in Loch Lomond Brewery are passionate about serving their local community and preserving the cultural heritage of Loch Lomond through their impressive craft; and hopes that this achievement will inspire other local businesses to strive for the best at a time when the retail and hospitality sectors face such challenging times.

1213Effect of night flights on residential areas

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 3

Sir David Amess

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

That this House recognises that night flights taking off and landing at airports in highly residential areas are having a negative impact on the lives of local residents; acknowledges that an eight hour period of uninterrupted sleep is necessary for physical and mental wellbeing; notes that the elderly, pregnant women and children are most at risk from the impact of sleep deprivation; and urges the Government to look at the legislation again which permits these night flights to take place at the expense of residents' well-being.

1214Prevent strategy

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 4

Sarah Owen

Rachel Hopkins

Jim Shannon

Mike Hill

That this House commends the efforts of all agencies keeping Britain safe from terrorist attacks but believes that the Prevent strategy is not fit for purpose and notes the unacceptable delay from the Government of its overdue independent review of the strategy; further notes that the lower threshold for far right extremism in triggering intervention as well as the alienation and stigmatisation reported by members of faith communities, specifically the British Muslim community, has broken any trust in the strategy; believes that the Prevent strategy’s credibility has been increasingly eroded with the inclusion of organisations such as Extinction Rebellion to its watchlist; further believes that extremism in young people is better tackled from a safeguarding approach; and calls on the Government to end the Prevent Strategy and instead work with schools, colleges, universities, communities, charities and local authorities to engage on a trusted and more localised approach which better protects children and young people and ultimately the country from the devastating effects of extremism.

1215Human and trade union rights in Pakistan

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 9

Apsana Begum

Dan Carden

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

Ian Byrne

Kate Osborne

This House is alarmed at reports that Amar Fayaz, a Progressive Youth Alliance activist in Pakistan, was allegedly taken in to custody by security services on 8 November 2020 outside Liaqat Medical University in Jamshoro, and still has not reappeared; expresses solidarity with his family, wife and daughter who are still unaware of his whereabouts; notes that according to Amnesty International and other organisations enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, violence against women, media censorship and the harassment of ethnic and religious minorities continue to take place in Pakistan; further notes that Pakistan is also one of ten countries named in the 2019 report of the International Trade Union Confederation where trade unionists had been killed and that the ITUC now puts Pakistan in the worst category for trade union rights; believes that guaranteeing the political, democratic and trade union rights of all people, regardless of where they live, is of fundamental importance in upholding human dignity and the inalienable nature of human rights; and calls on the Government to make representations to the Pakistani Government for Amar Fayaz to be released or a charge be brought against him and for Pakistan obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights be upheld.

1216Post offices and sub-postmasters

Tabled: 30/11/20 Signatories: 9

Mr Virendra Sharma

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Fiona Bruce

That this House believes that sub-postmasters and their staff provide financial services that ensure the physical and psychological wellbeing of 300,000 vulnerable people; that the ongoing covid-19 pandemic has made this a very difficult time for post offices; thanks sub-postmasters for their hard work and commitment and strongly urges the Government to preserve its commitment to the Post Office by continuing to ensure Government services such as, but not exclusive to, passports, state benefits and DVLA remain available via the Post Office network.