Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Wednesday 16 June 2021

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 15 June 2021

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

199Appointment of Naftali Bennet as Israeli Prime Minister

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the appointment of Naftali Bennett to serve as the 13th Prime Minister of Israel; extends the best wishes of this House for a prosperous term as Prime Minister; acknowledges the difficult political situation that Israel has historically found herself in; and takes this opportunity to reaffirm our support for Israel as we reach out the hand of friendship to this new administration in the hope of a peaceful and prosperous future for Israel and the Middle East..

200Christian persecution in Nigeria

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the recent report by Intersociety Rule of Law which stated that 1,470 Christians were murdered and over 2,200 were abducted by jihadists in the first four months of 2021 in Nigeria; further notes the increase in Blasphemy cases in Northern Nigeria resulting in long prison sentences; and calls upon the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to engage with the Nigerian Government to apply diplomatic pressure to acknowledge the scale of the persecution and address this persecution with definitive action.

201Low carbon homes, community buildings and churches

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

John Cryer

That this House notes the delay to the Heat and Buildings Strategy; further notes the delay to the Future Homes Standard, the withdrawal of funding for the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme, and the discontinuation of the Renewable Heat Incentive; and encourages the Government to come forward urgently with comprehensive plans for low carbon homes, community buildings and churches, which would support job creation and greater working in the green energy sector.

202Zero-carbon domestic renewables

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House recognises the UK's legal commitment to reduce carbon emissions, including those from domestic dwellings, to Net Zero by 2050; further notes that 30% of UK carbon dioxide emissions are from domestic dwellings; recognises that micro-generation of home grown energy and heating is vital to reach the Net Zero target; further recognises that VAT currently imposed on domestic renewables including Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Air and Ground/Water Source Heat Pumps, and further energy efficiency measures has previously been a legal requirement stipulated by EU Regulations; considers that leaving the EU provides an opportunity to review VAT on zero-carbon domestic renewables, installations, and energy efficiency measures; and calls on the Government to rate all VAT on zero-carbon domestic renewable products, installations, associated heating systems, and retrofitting energy efficiency measures, at 0% VAT for a period of 10 years, making Zero Carbon equal Zero VAT.

203Australian trade deal

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House notes the prospective agreement of a trade deal with Australia; expresses strong concern at the potential implications of any deal on British farmers; asks that farmers across the country are properly consulted; further asks that MPs are given the time to adequately read, scrutinise and debate the agreement; and calls on the Government to bring forward a motion to Parliament on any negotiated trade deal.

204Business support after delaying Stage 4 of the covid-19 roadmap

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 1

Caroline Lucas

This House believes the decision to delay Stage 4 of the coronavirus roadmap until 19 July 2021 was, regrettably, the right one; recognises that this will be difficult for our constituents and for businesses that continue to be affected by restrictions on their ability to operate; welcomes the support the Treasury has provided to businesses and the self employed to date; calls on the Treasury to recognise that there is a strong case for further support to protect specific sectors of our economy; therefore calls on the Government to retain full furlough, self-employed income support, and full business rates relief, for at least six-months, removing the rateable value limit on business rates relief; further calls for new sector-specific ‘recovery grants’ with expanded eligibility, the extension of the 5 percent hospitality and tourism VAT rate, a Government-backed Covid-19 events cancellation insurance scheme, an extension of the ban on commercial evictions alongside a moratorium on landlords’ right to collect commercial rent to allow a fair arbitration process to be secured, and consideration to be given to writing of Covid loans for businesses worst affected and for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme to be fixed so those groups excluded to date can access support equivalent to that provided through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

205Cabinet Office clearing house and Freedom of Information

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 8

Navendu Mishra

Grahame Morris

Daisy Cooper

Caroline Lucas

Chris Stephens

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House believes that the Freedom of Information Act (2000) is a landmark piece of legislation which, when properly applied, helps to achieve democratic, public accountability and transparency across government; regrets that, too often, legitimate applications from the public are frustrated, delayed or illegitimately denied; notes that a key principle of the legislation is that requests should be treated in a “applicant-blind” process; further notes with concern indications that the Cabinet Office has been operating a secretive Clearing House, logging and scrutinising the identities of applicants, and withholding information to individuals based on their work as journalists; notes that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office went on public record to call such reports “ridiculous and tendentious”; recognises that in a recent Informational Tribunal ruling, the judge found that arguments presented in court by the Cabinet Office about the controversial Clearing House unit were ‘misleading’ and that there is a “profound lack of transparency about the operation”, which might “extend to ministers”; welcomes the vital investigations being held by the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Select Committee into these matters, and joins Open Democracy and the National Union of Journalists in calling on the Committee to investigate whether any breach of the Ministerial Code has been committed; and urges that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that Freedom of Information legislation is properly applied and enforced.

206Imperial War Museum redundancies

Tabled: 15/06/21 Signatories: 3

Chris Stephens [R]

John McDonnell

Grahame Morris

That this House notes the recent announcement of 49 redundancies across Visitor Services at the Imperial War Museum and its sister bodies; understands that jobs will be lost at numerous sites including the Churchill War Rooms, Imperial War Museums North and South and HMS Belfast; is aware that the contract for these roles has been outsourced since 2013 with a new contract awarded in January 2021 to ZE Global; is aware that ZE Global took over the Visitor Services contract in April 2021 and announced redundancies four weeks later on May 6th; is concerned that the loss of 49 posts across the estate will not only lead to a significant reduction in expertise and knowledge but will also pose a threat to the safety of those attending each institution; is aware that ZE Global and museum management have conducted a review and drawn up redundancy plans without consulting staff trade unions; and calls on Government to intervene to ensure jobs are retained across the estate and the safety of staff, visitors and exhibits is prioritised.

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.

140Reform of the Mental Health Act

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 19

Dr Lisa Cameron

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Christine Jardine

Andrew Rosindell

That this House welcomes the announcement in the Queen’s Speech on the 11 May 2021 to introduce a Bill to reform the Mental Health Act in recognition of the vast improvements in understanding and treatment of mental health disorders since the Act’s original formulation in 1983; in particular commends the Government for signaling its intention to better the treatment and referral of those with a disability or autistic spectrum disorder in the criminal justice system and while detained; calls on the Government to heed the recommendations of the Green Paper titled Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision in that Bill and to work with local government, voluntary and childcare organizations to ensure that data and expertise is shared between relevant authorities and parties and that mental health conditions are treated at the earliest possibility in whichever setting they first present to ensure the best possible health outcomes for children and young people.

142Louise Caldwell and campaign for mothers who have experienced miscarriage

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 11

Dr Lisa Cameron

Marion Fellows

Wera Hobhouse

Jim Shannon

Neale Hanvey

Allan Dorans

That this House pays tribute to East Kilbride resident Louise Caldwell in her tireless work campaigning on behalf of mothers who have suffered a miscarriage; in particular drawing attention to her ongoing petition and campaigning on behalf of those who have had to deliver a stillborn child in a maternity ward surrounded by new and expectant mums; recognizes that this is the tragic and heart-breaking reality for thousands of mothers every year; and calls on the Government to consider whether alternative maternity wards for those who have miscarried might be implemented so as to ensure that all women receive the best care and support possible.

143Joe Forte's retirement

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 5

Kenny MacAskill

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Neale Hanvey

Chris Stephens

That this House pays tribute to Haddington businessman Joe Forte on his 36 years in business providing top class equipment to the community's sport enthusiasts; recognises Joe's important contributions in encouraging runners, footballers and all those interested in sports, young and old; commends Joe's own sporting achievements both as a professional footballer with Hibs, Berwick Rangers, Meadowbank Thistle and Ormiston Primrose and also as chair for Haddington and East Lothian Pacemakers running club winning many a medal himself for the club; and wishes Joe and his wife Norma a long, happy and fun retirement.

144Father Stan Swamy

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 11

Neale Hanvey

Brendan O'Hara

Wera Hobhouse

Kenny MacAskill

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

That this House condemns the arrest in October 2020 of Jesuit Priest Father Stan Swamy by the National Investigation Agency of India; condemns the harsh interrogation, refusal of bail, and ongoing detention of this frail 83 year-old priest; notes Father Swamy’s tireless work over five decades assisting the poor and vulnerable in India; further notes the gross ambiguity of the counter-terrorism charges levied against Father Swamy; and calls on the UK Government to demonstrate its promised commitment to human rights and protecting freedom of religious belief by asking the Indian Government to both immediately safeguard Father Swamy’s health and wellbeing by releasing him to his community, and to commit to protecting the rights of the activists and human rights campaigners across its country.

145Irish Dail policy on the the annexation of Palestinian territories

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 7

Kenny MacAskill

Jonathan Edwards

Neale Hanvey

Claire Hanna

John McDonnell

Carol Monaghan

That this House praises the historic decision by the Irish Dail to condemn the illegal annexation of Palestinian lands by Israel; notes that the Dail Motion condemned the recent and ongoing forced displacement of Palestinian communities in the occupied Palestinian territory and described the annexation of Palestinian territory as a violation of international law; recognises that this historic moment is a victory for justice and recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination; and calls on the UK Government and devolved legislatures to replicate said decision.

147St Ninian's High wins SSFA Senior Shield

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 9

Kirsten Oswald

Brendan O'Hara

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates St Ninian's High School senior boys football team on winning the Scottish Schools’ Football Association Senior Shield for the first time in the school's history, and the first for an East Renfrewshire school; celebrates the team's brilliant performance throughout the competition including the final, which saw the team win by the only goal of the game, scored by Marc Capaldi; congratulates in particular winning Captain, Aiden McLaughlin, whose father captained the winning team in the same competition in season 1986-87, and players Rico De Marco and James Dolan who were both awarded man of the match by the opposition; notes the rich history of the Senior Shield, which started in 1904, continued through both World Wars and only once before, in 1957, was not awarded; acknowledges the fantastic work of all players and coaches during this competition, which started in September 2019, was suspended in March 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and resumed in May 2021; applauds all teams throughout Scotland for taking part in this competition and looks forward to the next competition, which is sure to be filled with the same passion, spirit and teamwork.

148Carers Week 2021

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 29

Ed Davey

Ben Lake

Neale Hanvey

Andrew Gwynne

Paul Blomfield

Caroline Lucas

That this House supports Carers Week which takes place on the 7th to the 13th June 2021; notes that Week’s theme is Make Caring Visible and Valued; highlights the invaluable contribution that over 6.5 million unpaid carers make to their local communities across the UK; recognises that carers have been under extraordinary pressure during the Coronavirus pandemic and that many of the challenges that those carers face have intensified, meaning that 81 per cent of carers are spending more time on their caring responsibilities and two thirds of carers have not had any breaks at all since the beginning of the pandemic; and calls on the Government to provide unpaid carers with the support services that they need, including respite care so that carers can take regular breaks.

150World Milk Day

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Paul Girvan

Margaret Ferrier

Carla Lockhart

Chris Stephens

That this House notes the 21st birthday of World Milk Day; highlights the tremendous benefits of consuming milk for all age groups including for the production and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth; further notes the wonderful diversification taking place by the provision of automated vending machines to encourage people to purchase fresh milk such as those machines located at Streamvale Farm on the border of the Strangford constituency; and further highlights the important contribution of a milk rich diet to our health and local economy.

152Fees for London Licensed Taxi Trade at Heathrow Airport

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 5

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

John Spellar

Ian Lavery

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the serious concerns of the London Licensed Taxi Trade regarding Heathrow Airport Ltd.’s plans to increase the fee payable when a driver enters the Heathrow Taxi Feeder Park in order to service the airports taxi ranks from 1 July 2021; supports the trade in its call for Heathrow to reconsider this near threefold increase; notes the important role that licensed taxis play as a form of onward transport from Heathrow, particularly for business travellers, tourists and those with limited mobility, including disabled and elderly passengers; applauds the efforts of London’s black cab drivers to keep passengers moving safely throughout the pandemic, providing a covid-secure service and undertaking high risk journeys to quarantine hotels and testing sites when many other forms of transport were operating vastly reduced services; acknowledges the significant financial challenges facing Heathrow as a result of the pandemic and collapse in passenger numbers, which has also created financial hardship for many self-employed taxi drivers; believes that there is a more equitable solution that can be found to allow Heathrow to recover its losses without unfairly and unduly impacting already struggling taxi drivers; and therefore calls on Heathrow to reconsider its position and re-engage with the London Licensed Taxi Trade as a matter of urgency to ensure that the entry fee remains sustainable for drivers and does not damage their business.

154Landmine explosions in Azerbaijan

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 4

Bob Blackman

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

This House is saddened that over 100 Azerbaijani people have lost their lives in recent mine explosions and expresses sympathy to the bereaved families; notes that during the 30 year long occupation, Armenia planted thousands of land mines in the illegally occupied territories of Azerbaijan; further notes that since the signing of the Trilateral Agreement on 10 November 2021 ending military operations, almost 100 Azerbaijani military and civilian personnel have died as a result of mine explosion in liberated territories; and calls on the UK Government to make representations to urge it’s Armenian counterpart to release the maps of the minefield.

155Ratification of the Istanbul Convention

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 22

Gavin Newlands

Marion Fellows

Brendan O'Hara

Jonathan Edwards

Wera Hobhouse

Kenny MacAskill

That this House notes that 8 June 2021 will mark nine years since the UK signed the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence; acknowledges the work by the former hon. Member for Banff and Buchan, Eilidh Whiteford, in securing the passage of legislation enshrining the requirement for the UK to ratify the Convention; notes that since this Act received Royal Assent four years have passed with no indication that ratification is imminent; recognises the need for both national and international action to tackle violence against women and girls; and supports the call by IC Change and other organisations for the Government to ratify the Convention by 8 June 2022.

156Post-WWII forced deportation of Chinese seafarers

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 18

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Paula Barker

Claudia Webbe

Dan Carden

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that this is the 75th anniversary of the forced deportations of thousands of Chinese seafarers after the Second World War, which left many families abandoned without support and with no idea of what had happened; notes that the restricted papers, made public after 50 years, show that decisions taken by the Home Office led to the forced deportation of over 2000 Chinese seafarers from Liverpool, many of whom put their lives on the line for the Allied war effort and who were repaid with this act; notes that this was one of the most nakedly racist incidents ever instigated by the Government, and that countless families suffered a lifetime of trauma as a result, many of whom died without ever knowing the truth about what happened to their loved ones with descendants still searching for answers and lost family members; and calls on the Government to acknowledge this atrocity and issue a full and formal apology for these grave injustices.

157Rhos y Gwalia Outdoor Education Centre

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 5

Liz Saville Roberts

Jim Shannon

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Chris Stephens

This House notes the challenges faced by businesses in the outdoors activity sector, including the Rhos y Gwalia Outdoor Education Centre, posed by the covid-19 pandemic; recognises the contribution such centres make to school education and student welfare through mental and physical activity outdoors; is concerned with the double hurdle faced by such businesses in the form of rigid occupancy rules for school visits in force in both England and Wales; and calls on the UK and Welsh governments to allow schools to participate in educational bubbles so that children and teachers can bounce back from covid-19 lockdowns by experiencing the great Welsh outdoors.

158National Bingo Day

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 7

Dr Lisa Cameron

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Neale Hanvey

Allan Dorans

John McDonnell

That this House celebrates National Bingo Day on 27 June 2021, when operators from both land based and online bingo operators will be coming together to raise money for charity and celebrate their love of the game of Bingo and everything that makes it special including people, players, friends and community; recognises that bingo has been a mainstay of cultural life since the 1960’s, welcoming thousands customers into bingo clubs every week to eat, drink and socialise over a much-loved inclusive game; notes that for many a visit to their local bingo club is the main opportunity for a fun night out in a safe environment; further notes that bingo plays a vital role in tackling social isolation within communities across the country, especially during the covid-19 pandemic through virtual events; notes with concern that bingo clubs have lost approximately £269.3 million in revenue during lockdown and 39 clubs have closed; and calls on the Government to support the long term sustainability of bingo across the UK.

159Child poverty

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 34

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Ms Diane Abbott

Apsana Begum

Richard Burgon

Ian Byrne

That this House notes that recent End Child Poverty coalition research indicates that there were 4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK in 2019-20 and that recent Households Below Average Income figures show child poverty is likely to have significantly worsened during the covid-19 pandemic; believes the Government must prioritise expanding the safety net for struggling families and those facing housing insecurity; recognises the Government's rolling out of free school meals during school closures, the extension of free school meals to children affected by the No Recourse to Public Funds condition, the £20 a week universal credit uplift, and the Covid Winter Grant Scheme that supported families in financial crisis; and supports recent calls from the Children's Society for the Government to turn these interventions into long term sustained investment to support low-income families.

161S4C's success at the Broadcast Awards 2021

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 8

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Pete Wishart

Marion Fellows

That this house congratulates S4C for winning Best Lockdown Programme at the Broadcast awards with Dim Ysgol Maesincla; notes that the programme won the award against productions for ITV, BBC1, BBC2 and Channel 4 in the Best Lockdown Programme News, Documentary and Factual category; celebrates the programme’s success in documenting the honest and heartwarming stories of the children, families and school staff of the Maesincla community during a time of great change with the judges praising the documentary for providing rare access to a community that isn’t usually seen on television; and recognises that the programme has won an important award in the industry through the medium of Welsh.

162Crisis of insecure work

Tabled: 7/06/21 Signatories: 20

Jon Trickett

Andrew Gwynne

Paula Barker

Claudia Webbe

Kim Johnson

Jonathan Edwards

That this House expresses alarm at the £107 billion rise in wealth for those at the top; notes that the levels of insecure employment in the UK are worryingly high and that data from the Office for National Statistics published on 18 May 2021 shows unemployment at 1.6 million; further notes that 1.5 million are in temporary work and that 1 million part time workers are struggling to find a full time job; recognises that this means more than 4 million people are underemployed; also recognises that 5.5 million workers are paid below the living wage, 857,000 workers are employed on zero hours contacts and 2.2 million workers currently work fewer than 15 hours a week; believes that this is contributing to a cost of living crisis in the UK, where millions struggle to make ends meet; expresses concern about what the future holds for the 4 million workers still on furlough, as well as the growing number of employers using fire & rehire tactics across all sectors, including Weetabix and Argos this week; acknowledges that 100 million fewer hours of work are currently being undertaken in the UK economy; and calls on the Government to radically increase investment across the UK to increase productivity, create sustainable well paid jobs of the future and to do more to help the millions workers facing a very uncertain future.

164Channel 4's role as a Public Service Broadcaster

Tabled: 8/06/21 Signatories: 34

Grahame Morris

Rebecca Long Bailey

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Dawn Butler

That this House shares the concern of the National Union of Journalists that the Government is still actively considering the privatisation of Channel Four Television Corporation, a publicly owned but commercially funded company which makes a notable contribution to British broadcasting; notes that Channel 4 is not presently run for profit, but generates revenues to put back into commissioning independent producers to make distinctive content; further notes that the company is required to fulfil a public-service remit, which stipulates it must be innovative and distinctive, stimulate public debate on contemporary issues, reflect cultural diversity of the UK, champion alternative points of view, inspire change in people’s lives and nurture new and existing talent; observes that proposals to privatise the company were considered and rejected just five years ago, with the then Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport describing the channel as a precious public asset; recalls that the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications report entitled A Privatised Future for Channel Four?, published in July 2016, HL Paper 17, warned that the distinctive quality and contribution of Channel 4 News in particular could be adversely affected by privatisation; considers that any steps towards privatisation would inevitably replace Channel 4's characteristic public service ethos in favour of the narrow interests of shareholder profit; and therefore calls on the Government to commit to retaining Channel 4 in public hands.

165MBRRACE enquiry

Tabled: 8/06/21 Signatories: 16

David Linden

Marion Fellows

Jonathan Edwards

Neale Hanvey

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House is concerned that the MBRRACE: Perinatal Confidential Enquiry report on Stillbirths and neonatal deaths in twin pregnancies found twins are twice as likely to be stillborn and are three and a half times more likely to die as newborns; is further concerned that in one in two baby deaths reviewed the care was poor and that if it had been better may have prevented the baby from dying; notes inequalities in outcomes for twins is higher than all other communities; is troubled that progress in reducing twin baby deaths has stalled since 2016; acknowledges that preventing these twin baby deaths will contribute between 5 and 7 per cent towards the national ambition to halve all stillbirths and neonatal deaths by 2025; and backs Twins Trust’s call for the report’s recommendations to be explicitly highlighted in national policies, and for local maternity units across the UK to make improvements as a matter of urgency.

166Achievement of Ayrshire College

Tabled: 8/06/21 Signatories: 9

Allan Dorans

Margaret Ferrier

Alan Brown

Neale Hanvey

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises and congratulates the Ayrshire College HND Coaching and Developing Sport staff and students on their outstanding achievement of winning the prestigious Times Educational Supplement Further Education best Teaching and Learning Initiative Award for their mental health campaign entitled Mental Health United which is now embedded in college culture across several departments; and further congratulates the college on its work in engaging with the local community including the Kris Boyd Foundation on mental health, promoting the benefits that physical activity can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing and encouraging those who are emotionally vulnerable to seek help and support.

167Kellands primary school and the Digital Schools Awards Scotland Programme

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 10

Richard Thomson

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Carol Monaghan

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Kellands primary school of Inverurie, Aberdeenshire upon its recent award from the Scotland’s Digital Schools programme; recognises the efforts of the school in completing a rigorous self-evaluation process to demonstrate the school’s excellence in integrating digital technology into learning and teaching; further recognises the importance of digital competency in today’s schooling; commends the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of staff at Kellends primary school on its tremendous achievement; and wishes all staff and pupils at the school well as they continue on their digital journey.

168Mental health provision for university students

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 17

Ed Davey

Andrew Gwynne

Daisy Cooper

Jim Shannon

Dr Lisa Cameron

Caroline Lucas

That this House calls on the Government to publish clear guidance to universities on what mental health provision should be in place for university students; recognises the immense strain placed on university students during the covid-19 outbreak and the continuing assessments and exams that students have been required to undertake; stresses that students are lacking critical pastoral support during challenging periods of time; notes the concerning Global Student Survey that suggests that 70 per cent of British university students believe their mental health has suffered since the start of the pandemic; recognises the ONS Student December 2020 survey which found students to be significantly more anxious than the UK general population; urges the Government to ensure that universities have sufficient funding for mental health provision; and calls on the Government to ensure that all university students are guaranteed access to high quality mental health services.

169Higher education funding

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 13

Ed Davey

Kim Johnson

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Daisy Cooper

Mick Whitley

That this House calls on the Government to provide financial compensation to university students for lost teaching and rent during the covid-19 outbreak; notes that university students have not had adequate teaching or the university experience that they expected; notes that universities have worked hard to adapt to online teaching but that the higher education sector is facing financial uncertainty, meaning they cannot alone be expected to compensate students; calls on the Government to initiate an independent review into the level of compensation students should be awarded due to the effect of the pandemic on their education and to ensure proper support is available for those facing financial hardship; and urges the Government to implement the recommendations of the APPG for Students by doubling funds for students facing hardship to £700 million to bring support for English students in line with students in Wales.

170DS Business Solutions

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 6

Dr Lisa Cameron

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the fundraising efforts of DS Business Solutions in East Kilbride who have raised over £100,000 for charitable causes; pays tribute to each of their staff who have given countless hours over the last seven and a half years to raise funds for a range of local, national and international charities and causes; in particular notes their efforts to help those experiencing homelessness in the local East Kilbride area and their support for local families through their annual School Uniform Campaign; highlights DS Business Solutions and the efforts of their Managing Director Gerry Strain as an example of corporate and social responsibility for businesses across the UK and wishes them the very best in their future fundraising endeavours.

171Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month 2021

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 37

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Clive Lewis

Kim Johnson

Claudia Webbe

Marion Fellows

Andy Slaughter

That this House notes that during the month of June 2021 it is Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month; understands that the theme in 2021 is Make Some Space where it is hoped that people from different backgrounds and professions will make some space in their day to day lives, from teaching school pupils on the histories, cultures or present realities of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people to governmental bodies, both local and and across these islands ensuring that there is space for Gypsy, Travellers in local areas and that any services provided are inclusive to the communities; believes that the rich culture and history of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities is something that must be celebrated and protected and encourages everyone to positively engage with the communities.

172Heart of Wales Line

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 6

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

That this House commends the submission by Professor Stuart Cole, emeritus professor of transport at the University of South Wales and chairman of the Heart of Wales Travellers' Association, to the Union Connectivity Review calling for a £20 million investment in the Heart of Wales Line; notes that Wales has historically only received one per cent of rail investment despite having 11 per cent of the track; is concerned that that the submission indicates that 87 per cent of all journeys in mid Wales are undertaken by car; recognises that the line passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles on its journey between Swansea and Shrewsbury and links three of the main market towns in Carmarthenshire - Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery; welcomes that, in his submission, Professor Cole outlines how the investment will enable Transport for Wales to substantially increase service provision on the line to provide two hourly services each way over a 12 hour period; further welcomes that the report outlines the substantial economic and social benefits which this investment would bring; calls on the Department for Transport to implement the infrastructure investments outlined in the submission; and urges the Welsh Government to implement Professor Cole’s proposals for increased services on the Heart of Wales line.

173DVLA physical post-only forms and the consequences for disabled people

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 13

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

That this House recognises how difficult it can be for people with disabilities to access some services, such as the post office; understands how helpful and convenient being able to complete official forms online rather than posting them physically can be for older people or those with disabilities; is therefore disappointed that the DVLA still requires some forms to be posted, which is especially difficult for people who rely heavily on the use of their vehicles.

174Radio Earn soft launch in Crieff

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 6

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the difficulty of setting up new businesses during the covid-19 outbreak; understands how useful community radio can be not only for entertaining and informing the community, but also for developing careers and giving opportunities to young people; commends Radio Earn for its successful soft launch on 6 June 2021; and wishes Radio Earn good luck going forward.

175Public scientific hearing on animal experiments

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 10

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

That this House applauds the new Animal Sentience Bill, enshrining in law the ability of animals to experience joy and feel suffering and pain; notes the science-based campaign For Life On Earth with its Beagle Ambassador, rescued laboratory dog Scarlett; is shocked to see the harrowing exposé showing thousands of laboratory dogs intensively bred in the UK and underlines the consequences of the Animal Sentience Bill regarding this; notes that scientists in the wider scientific community, outside the animal-based research sector, openly acknowledge the failure of animal testing in the search for human treatments and cures, and that those experts include scientists in the pharmaceutical industry, the Editor in Chief of the British Medical Journal, the US-based National Cancer Institute which says cures for cancer have been lost because studies in rodents were believed, and the Food and Drug Administration which states that 9 out of 10 new medicines fail to pass human trials because animals cannot predict responses in humans; notes Doctors Greek and Shanks' Trans-Species Modelling Theory, founded upon the theory of evolution, explaining why animals fail as predictive models of humans; and urgently calls on the Government to mandate a rigorous public scientific hearing, judged by independent experts from the relevant science fields, to stop the funding of the now proven failed practice of animal experimentation and increase funding for state-of-the-art human-based research, such as human-on-a-chip and gene-based medicine, to prioritise treatments and cures for human patients and stop the suffering of laboratory dogs and other animals.

176Racism in football

Tabled: 9/06/21 Signatories: 25

Clive Lewis

Navendu Mishra

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Ian Byrne

That this House applauds England football manager Gareth Southgate and his players for their principled opposition to racism; stands in solidarity with all football players and supporters who have been subjected to racism, while participating in the sport they love or in other areas of their life; recognises that those players and their manager are role models for the entire country and that their actions have a large impact on wider society; believes taking the knee to be an honourable and important act, worthy of such role models; thanks players, supporters and those in the wider football community and industry who have stood and will continue to stand against all forms of racism; condemns the booing by some fans of those that take the knee for the blatant racism it is and applauds the majority of fans who do not boo; calls on those in football management, media, sponsorship, breweries and pub landlords to stand up as anti-racists and take a robust approach to that behaviour; wishes Gareth Southgate and the England team every success in the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 tournament; and calls on the Prime Minister to make a statement in support of anti-racism in football.

177End the young parent penalty

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 28

Wendy Chamberlain

Claire Hanna

Kim Johnson

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Christine Jardine

Wera Hobhouse

That this House notes that there are 1.8 million single parents across the UK, with nearly half of all children in single parent families living in poverty; further notes the particular impact of Covid-19 on single parents who are both the carer and income generator for their family; believes that all single parent families should receive appropriate support from the UK Government; regrets that young single parent families under the age of 25 have to claim Universal Credit at a lower rate than those aged 25 or over; further notes that until the introduction of Universal Credit in 2013 young single parent families were entitled to the higher rate of standard allowance in recognition of the cost of caring for a child alone and that this exemption still exists for claimants of legacy benefits; and urges the UK Government to end this Young Parent Penalty and reinstate the exemption for all young single parent families.

178Celebrating the clean green status of Scotland’s food and drink sector

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 5

Neale Hanvey

Carol Monaghan

Joanna Cherry

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House celebrates the clean green status of Scotland’s £14 billion food and drink sector and recognises that such high standards have been achieved by implementing key directives within an EU framework; recognises this status as a vital element which underpins the value of the provenance of Scottish food nationally and internationally; highlights that the UK Internal Market Act could threaten Scotland’s ability to maintain and protect this internationally recognised and respected marque; and asserts that any UK Government attempt to undermine or impede Scottish regulation of GM crops or editing techniques must never be allowed to destabilise the value or reputation of Scotland-branded export produce.

179Protect access to cash

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 12

Neale Hanvey

Claire Hanna

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

Mohammad Yasin

Kenny MacAskill

That this House believes that the UK Government should implement legislation to protect access to cash a priority in this Parliamentary session as part of a proactive campaign to ensure that vulnerable people are not disproportionately affected by the move towards a cashless society.

180Pet theft reform

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 16

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

Chris Law

Mohammad Yasin

That this House notes with concern the recent increase in dog thefts and associated violence; acknowledges the unprecedented levels of demand for canine companionship during the covid-19 pandemic, resulting in inflated dog prices; recognises that people have an exceptionally powerful bond with their pets, regarding them as priceless, irreplaceable family members; is aware that dogs are stolen by organised gangs and opportunistic thieves, and regardless of the perpetrator, the likelihood of being caught, charged and prosecuted is very low; notes that the intrinsic value and welfare of stolen pets is not taken into account with sentencing, and pet theft is not regarded as a specific offence in current legislation; further acknowledges the campaigning work on this issue by Dr Daniel Allen, Debbie Matthews, the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance and the Pet Theft Reform Coalition; welcomes the formation of the Pet Theft Taskforce which works with police, law enforcement, and experts to understand and tackle pet theft, considering the issue from end to end (including causes, prevention, reporting, enforcement and prosecution); urges the UK Government to make pet theft a specific offence with a sentence which is proportionate to the harm caused to pet owners and the impact on pet welfare.

182Mindfulness and mental health

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 10

Tracey Crouch

Caroline Lucas

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

Mohammad Yasin

Hywel Williams

That this House acknowledges the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of the UK population; notes the substantial body of research showing how mindfulness can support people managing their mental health; and calls for mindfulness-based interventions to be available to people in all parts of the UK.

183Billington's of Lenzie

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 8

Amy Callaghan

Allan Dorans

Carol Monaghan

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Billington’s of Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, on their Silver award at the Scottish Food and Drink Awards in the gin category; recognises how difficult a time it has been for local food service and hospitality businesses during the covid-19 pandemic; further recognises the important work done by staff at Billington’s to assist the wider community during the covid crisis; commends the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved at the Deli; notes that this award is a tremendous achievement given the circumstances; and further calls on the House to wish all local hospitality businesses well as restrictions lift across the UK.

184Whitehill Welfare FC free season tickets

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House commends Whitehill Welfare Football Club for providing 250 free season tickets to local school children; notes that the Rosewell-based club offered all pupils at Rosewell Primary School and St Matthews Primary School their very own Under 16’s Season Ticket to enjoy games at Ferguson Park; understands that the club wanted to encourage the children back into outdoor activities by opening up opportunities to visit Ferguson Park to those who might have otherwise been unable to afford it; and highlights the significant mental and physical health benefits of sport during the covid-19 pandemic.

185Skyrora and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Carol Monaghan

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Skyrora CEO Volodymyr Levykin on being nominated as a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 award; notes that this award recognises innovation and resilience among entrepreneurs from across the UK who are creating long-term value and reinventing the future; recognises Midlothian-based space launch company Skyrora as leaders in developing the next generation of launch vehicles for the burgeoning small satellite market; and wishes Volodymyr all the very best for when finalists are announced in September 2021.

186Midlothian Volunteers Awards 2021

Tabled: 10/06/21 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates the winners of the Midlothian Volunteer Awards 2021; thanks the awards’ organisers for creating an annual opportunity to recognise and reward some of the volunteers and inspirational people who bring about positive change in their communities; notes that the awards ceremony was held virtually this year on the 3rd June and was attended by over 150 people; commends the people of Midlothian on their strong community spirit, selflessness and volunteering ethos; and sends its individual congratulations to Heather Mortimore from Food Facts Friends, Outstanding New Volunteer; The Connect Project Volunteers from Volunteer Midlothian, Befriender/Mentor of the Year; Chris Boyle and Ricky Lloyd of Dalkeith Rugby Football Club, Active Volunteering; The Midlothian Breastfeeding Alliance, Health and Wellbeing Award); Colette Pye from Mayfield and District Breastfeeding Support Group, Dedicated Service; The Amazing Brains Committee at Art Club, Covid-19 Community Award; Naomi Knights from the Connect Project at Volunteer Midlothian, Volunteer Manager of the Year; Kyle Anderson, Eva Hesketh-Laird, Louise Gillespie, Melissa Reidie, Samantha Gough, Saltire Summit Award; Joseph Burke of Health in Mind, Volunteer of the Year; and Penicuik Ambassadors, Volunteering Team of the Year.

187UK City of Culture changes

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Gavin Robinson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Sir Mike Penning

Wera Hobhouse

That this House notes recent changes being introduced for future City of Culture bids; acknowledges the significant benefits that can accrue for successful Cities; recognises that previous winners such as Londonderry the first ever UK City of Culture, Hull and Coventry were all recognised as locations that raised the profile of local people, the wider area and increased a sense of pride in showcasing their districts to a much wider audience; and expresses the hope that future regions bidding for the title will be able to maximise the benefits for all their citizens.

188Sustainability in national curriculum

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 9

Mr Barry Sheerman

Dr Lisa Cameron

Kenny MacAskill

Wera Hobhouse

Ed Davey

Mohammad Yasin

That this House considers best practice from across the United Kingdom and globally in terms of integrating sustainability into the national curriculum; recognises that the environmental challenges that we face require young people across the United Kingdom to be made more aware of the threats from climate change, environmental degradation, resource scarcity and air quality and educated in how communities can play a role facing the challenges of the future; further recognises that the education of our young people in the subject area of sustainability will assist considerably in the transition to the ‘green economy’ of the future; urges the Government to undertake an urgent and far-reaching review into the benefits of embedding the subject area of sustainability into the national curriculum; and further urges the Government to take the steps essential to ensure that young people are made aware of the environmental challenges our planet faces and are fully prepared for the transition of our country to a radically different sustainable model.

189Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 4

Layla Moran

Wera Hobhouse

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Stephens

That this House notes that 4 June marks the 32nd anniversary of the 1989 brutal suppression of peaceful human rights and pro-democracy activists in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in which thousands died or were wounded; recognises that to this day, the family members of the victims are seeking justice for their loved ones; expresses alarm that for the first time since 1990, there was no organised in-person vigil in Hong Kong to commemorate the massacre, as the public was warned that anyone attending the vigil could face up to five years in prison; condemns the Chinese Communist Party’s continued violation of the human rights of the Chinese people; expresses concern that the human rights situation in China has rapidly deteriorated under president Xi Jinping; expresses further concern that in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, over one million Uyghurs, Kazakhs and members of other ethnic groups have been detained in re-education camps since 2017 without charge, and numerous reports have emerged from the camps of torture, ill-treatment, forced labour, systematic rape and forced sterilisation; further condemns the Chinese government's continued actions to undermine the human rights to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly as laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and urges the Government to press the Chinese government in public and in private to end human rights violations in the country.

190Rental reform

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 5

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Apsana Begum

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Chris Stephens

That this House welcomes the announcement in the 2021 Queen's Speech for greater protection of tenants; notes that the 2019 and 2018 Queen's Speeches contained a commitment to abolish Section 21 of the Housing Act which allows for a no-fault eviction; further notes that an estimated 694,000 private tenants have been served with Section 21 notices since the pandemic started; and calls on the Government to bring forward a bill to abolish Section 21 and provide a legal framework for more secure tenancies while also providing for more adequate avenues for dispute resolution and access to justice.

191Loneliness Awareness Week and the digital divide faced by people with a learning disability

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 7

Sir Mark Hendrick

Sir Mike Penning

Wera Hobhouse

Mohammad Yasin

Jonathan Edwards

Andrew Gwynne

That this House recognises Loneliness Awareness Week, running from 14 to 18 June; commends the charity Hft’s recent Sector Pulse Check 2020 research that highlights the digital barriers which made it difficult for people who have a learning disability to remain in touch with others during the covid-19 outbreak; encourages the Government to take steps to close the digital divide to ensure people who have a learning disability have the opportunity to make and maintain friendships through digital means; and urges the Government to set out explicit actions it will take in response to those digital barriers as part of its Loneliness Strategy.

192Refugee Week 2021

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 9

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Jamie Stone

Layla Moran

Kenny MacAskill

Wera Hobhouse

Ed Davey

That this House supports Refugee Week 2021, which takes place from 14 to 20 June with the theme entitled We Cannot Walk Alone; notes that there are an estimated 26 million refugees and 4 million asylum seekers around the world today; further notes that the UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need, and believes that this tradition must be upheld; further believes that providing refugees with safe and legal routes to the UK is the best way to combat people smuggling and human trafficking and to prevent desperate people from making dangerous attempts to cross the Channel or the Mediterranean; notes with concern that only 353 refugees were resettled in the UK in 2020-21, 93 percent fewer than the previous year; regrets that the Government has not made a new commitment to relocate unaccompanied refugee children from elsewhere in Europe following the closure of the scheme under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 in July 2020; and calls on the Government to urgently make a new long-term commitment to resettle 10,000 vulnerable refugees in the UK each year, as well as a further 10,000 refugee children from elsewhere in Europe over the next 10 years.

193The fur trade in the UK

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 9

Tracey Crouch

Sir Mike Penning

Wera Hobhouse

Sir Greg Knight

Mohammad Yasin

Jonathan Edwards

That this House welcomes the Call for Evidence on the fur trade in the UK; urges the Government to introduce legislation to ban the import and sale of fur in the UK having first banned fur farms more than 20 years ago, something that is possible now that the UK has left the European Union; believes that, in view of the UK’s recognition that fur is too cruel to be farmed here, logically it is also too cruel to be sold here; welcomes the suggestion of such a law in the Government's recent Action Plan for Animal Welfare; acknowledges recent polling showing 72% of the British public welcome a fur sales ban; recognises the widespread political support for a ban on real fur sales and imports; further notes the link between Covid-19 and fur farms reported by the WHO in February 2021 which has resulted in millions of mink being culled across the world over the last year; and believes that a fur import and sales ban represents a significant opportunity for the UK to be a world leader in animal welfare.

194Reductions in funding for conflict, peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 10

Chris Law

Kenny MacAskill

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Navendu Mishra

Paula Barker

That this House regrets the £896 million funding cut to organisations that assist the Governments work on conflict, peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts; notes that these cuts effect the most unstable and impoverished conflict zones in the world including Syria, South Sudan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen; is concerned that the cuts will have a ripple effect on organisations and communities ability to address the causes and consequences of insecurity; recognises that this will ruin the chance of hundreds of thousands to live safer lives; acknowledges that these cuts go against the objective set out in the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign policy which aims to support open societies and defend human rights and tackle conflict and instability; and calls on the Government to meet its key security objectives, abide by its manifesto promise and legal commitment to spend 0.7 percent of GNI on ODA, and reverse the funding cuts to conflict zones.

195Royal Yacht Britannia

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 9

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Patrick Grady

That this House recognises the suffering that reductions in the UK aid budget will cause; acknowledges that the Government plans to go ahead with proposals for a new Royal Yacht despite continued controversy; further recognises that the Government confirmed they would return aid spending to the regular 0.7 per cent of GNI commitment when it was fiscally prudent to do so; is shocked to see priority being given to a vanity project whilst reducing aid spending; further acknowledges that any Official Development Assistance spent on the Royal Yacht would be depriving deserving projects of much needed funds; and urgently calls on the Government to confirm that no funding for the new Royal Yacht will come out of the international aid budget.

196Travel Your World Kirkcaldy and Scottish travellers during the covid-19 pandemic

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the extraordinary efforts of independent travel agency Travel Your World based in Kirkcaldy, and other travel agents in Scotland and across the UK, to sustain their businesses throughout the covid-19 pandemic; acknowledges the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and the enormous pressure placed upon Travel Your World and others as a result of associated travel restrictions over the past year and three months; further recognises that many such travel agencies have continued to work throughout the pandemic to protect, transfer and refund bookings, all at their own cost and without commission; acknowledges the value of the Governmental business support schemes, yet notes with concern that travel agencies have been excluded from much-needed financial support, such as the furlough scheme, as staff must continue to work unrewarded as they battle to keep the industry buoyant; further notes with concern the weight of this financial burden placed upon travel agencies and the need for urgent targeted financial support; and calls upon the Government to ensure this vital engine room of the travel sector is secured and ready to take on its core role in driving the travel sector recovery.

198Government review of NHS eating disorder services

Tabled: 14/06/21 Signatories: 5

Sir George Howarth

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

Paula Barker

Chris Stephens

That this House expresses strong concern at the lack of a coherent and effective approach to eating disorders in the UK; notes the impact of calorie labelling and other anti-obesity measures on those with eating disorders; further notes with dismay the increasing number of incidences of people experiencing eating disorders during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic; and calls on the Government to review NHS eating disorder services to ensure that resources are prioritised to help all those with eating disorders.