Contents

Published: Friday 11 February 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 10 February 2022

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

977Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month (No. 2)

Tabled: 10/02/22 Signatories: 1

John Spellar

That this House notes that February is Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month and 12 February is World Cholangiocarcinoma day; commends AMMF the cholangiocarcinoma charity for their outstanding work supporting people impacted by bile duct cancer and providing information, educational resources and advocating for people impacted by this aggressive cancer; recognises the importance of their GP Awareness Campaign; credits their collaborative work with health care professionals including surgeons and oncologists at hospitals and universities UK-wide and internationally; further notes the symptoms and signs of these bile duct cancers are something everyone should be aware of such as abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite and jaundice; encourages people who have any concerns to make a face to face appointment with their GP to be checked out as a matter of urgency; highlights that cholangiocarcinoma, whilst still a rare cancer, is on the increase and is aggressive; highlights that to improve patient outcomes it is essential to find ways to achieve earlier diagnosis and effective treatments for this disease; and calls on the Government to support the campaign to increase awareness and encourage people to flag symptoms to their GPs to help catch up with cancer diagnosis and treatment.

978Kurt Zouma and animal abuse

Tabled: 10/02/22 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House condemns the animal cruelty displayed by West Ham United football player Kurt Zouma, who was filmed drop kicking and slapping his pet Bengal cat in his home; strongly believes there can be no excuse for abusing animals in any circumstances; deplores the fact that this incident took place in front of a child and was posted on social media whilst the person recording the video, Mr Zouma’s brother Yoan, can heard laughing as he witnesses this abuse of a defenceless animal; notes the well-established link between animal abuse and violence against other people; condemns West Ham United’s decision to continue fielding the player in the days following the incident, thereby normalising his behaviour and sending the message to its young supporters that animal abuse is acceptable; supports the RSPCA’s decision to remove Mr Zouma’s pets from his home for their own safety; notes the RSPCA's investigation of this matter; and is disappointed that West Ham United did not show moral leadership on this matter by failing to take the opportunity to show football fans around the world that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated from its players no matter how accomplished their footballing skills may be.

979Seafarers pay at Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd

Tabled: 10/02/22 Signatories: 15

Cat Smith

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

Charlotte Nichols

Liz Saville Roberts

John McDonnell

That this House notes the skill and dedication of seafarers at Pacific Nuclear Transport Ltd (PNTL) who for the last forty five years have shipped hazardous nuclear waste from Barrow to storage destinations as far away as Australia; notes that PNTL’s contract is 75 per cent funded by the Japanese Government and that the company is a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA); supports public ownership but is alarmed that the Government has introduced a requirement on all NDA operating companies to align pay with the 0 per cent pay settlement for non-NHS public sector staff in 2021-22; notes that PNTL’s commercial operation of a public contract delivered £8.6 million dividends to shareholders between 2019 and 2021; supports public investment in jobs and training for UK seafarers; and calls on the Government to work with the recognised trade unions to lift the pay cap on PNTL seafarers for 2021-22 and in future years.

980Papers relating to investigations into alleged gatherings on Government premises

Tabled: 10/02/22 Signatories: 13

Ed Davey

Daisy Cooper

Wendy Chamberlain

Layla Moran

Sarah Olney

Sarah Green

That this House considers that a motion for an Humble Address on the laying of papers including the full, unredacted report of the Cabinet Office investigation into alleged gatherings on Government premises during the period of covid-19 restrictions, all accompanying evidence collected as part of the Cabinet Office investigation, including photographs and a full list of the names of any elected officials, senior civil servants, and political appointees given Fixed Penalty Notices as a result of the police investigation, should be debated no later than two sitting days after the confirmation by the Metropolitan Police that their investigation into alleged breaches of covid-19 restrictions in Downing Street and Whitehall was completed.

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.

91270th anniversary of 2nd Cambusnethan Boys' Brigade Company

Tabled: 27/01/22 Signatories: 6

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates 2nd Cambusnethan Boys' Brigade Company on reaching their 70th anniversary; recognises the excellent community work they has undertaken since they were founded on 12 November 1951; further recognises the excellent opportunity the Brigade provides local boys to get involved in their local communities and offer a safe and enjoyable environment to learn new skills and make new friends; commends the dedication of those working towards badges especially the Queen’s Badge and wishes them every success in this endeavour; and further congratulates all of the Brigade's staff on their excellent work to support people in Wishaw and surrounding areas, particularly during this difficult year; and wishes them all the best for the future.

921Kids Operating Room 50th installation

Tabled: 31/01/22 Signatories: 19

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Rachael Maskell

Carol Monaghan

Douglas Chapman

Mhairi Black

That this House congratulates Dundee-based charity Kids Operating Room on the delivery of their 50th operating room; notes that operating rooms have been delivered and installed in hospitals across Africa and Latin America; recognises that KidsOR works to support existing hospitals and healthcare professionals to expand their services; further recognises that through since their inception in 2018 they have increased annual capacity for safe surgery by 30,000 life-changing operations every year; and wishes KidsOR and their staff all the best for the future.

925Ban on snares campaign

Tabled: 31/01/22 Signatories: 14

Caroline Lucas

Tim Farron

Kenny MacAskill

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

Martyn Day

That this House notes a 2016 motion calling for a ban on snares that was passed unanimously; further notes that, other than the promise of a Call for Evidence in the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare in May 2021, no further steps to this end have been taken; acknowledges the horror and cruelty resulting from the use of snares intended to trap wild animals; notes that snares are notoriously indiscriminate, catching, injuring and killing animals, including those not intended to be the target, such as badgers, rabbits, cats, dogs, lambs and deer; recalls the findings of the 2005 Independent Working Group on Snares which reported that it would be difficult to reduce the proportion of non-targeted animals caught to below 40 per cent; recognises a joint statement organised by Animal Aid, and signed by twenty-three other animal protection groups and academics, urging action to ban snares; and calls on the Government to outlaw the manufacture, sale, possession and use of all snares without further delay.

926Rainbow Heartlands project by Pink Saltire

Tabled: 31/01/22 Signatories: 5

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Angela Crawley

Alison Thewliss

That this House recognises the important work of Pink Saltire in building and supporting the LGBT+ community in Scotland; commends the charity's efforts to tackle isolation and loneliness in LGBT+ rural communities; and wishes them luck with the Rainbow Heartlands project, beginning in February.

927United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

Tabled: 31/01/22 Signatories: 17

Patrick Grady

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Alan Brown

Rachael Maskell

Beth Winter

That this House notes 21 January 2022 marks the first anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons; regrets that the United Kingdom is neither a signatory of or a party to the Treaty; calls on the UK Government to abandon any plans or possibility of increasing the UK's nuclear arsenal, and instead take urgent steps to comply with the provisions of the Treaty and work towards nuclear disarmament at home and overseas.

929Bearskin caps and the armed forces

Tabled: 31/01/22 Signatories: 35

Kirsten Oswald

Patricia Gibson

Margaret Ferrier

John Nicolson

Allan Dorans

Alan Brown

That this House expresses its concern that the ceremonial bearskin caps worn by members of the armed forces, most notably at the annual Trooping the Colour parade, involve the unnecessary slaughter of black bears; notes that each bearskin ceremonial cap costs the Ministry of Defence over £1,700 and sees no possible excuse for taxpayers’ money to be spent on ceremonial caps made from the skins of bears gunned down for their fur when the overwhelming majority of the British public is opposed to the use of real fur in clothing; understands that the faux fur developed by animal rights charity PETA with leading faux furrier ECOPEL would enable the Ministry of Defence to replace the real bearskins with faux fur; welcomes the offer by ECOPEL to provide the Ministry of Defence with faux fur at no cost until 2030, saving many bears from slaughter and also saving the tax payer up to a million pounds; and calls on the Ministry of Defence to recognise that its continued use of real fur is not in line with the UK Government’s commitment to have and promote the highest standards of animal welfare and that it is time to switch to faux fur for making these ceremonial caps.

930Industrial action at Barts Health NHS Trust

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 33

Apsana Begum

Caroline Lucas

Chris Stephens

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

Ian Mearns

That this House expresses solidarity with hundreds of key NHS workers across Barts Health NHS Trust, employed by the outsourcing company Serco, taking strike action between Monday 31 January and Sunday 13 February 2022 over low pay; notes that the Unite members who are cleaners, porters, security, catering and reception staff, and are predominately from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, are paid up to 15 per cent less than directly employed NHS staff; further notes that Serco Group PLC had a turnover of £3.9 billion according to the latest figures available; believes that Serco should improve its pay offer so that all workers are paid fairly; and calls for the related services contract be brought in-house and for the workforce to be transferred onto Agenda for Change pay, terms and conditions, as soon as possible.

932Use of reusable nappies

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 17

Kirsty Blackman

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

David Linden

Douglas Chapman

Anne McLaughlin

That this House commends Nappy Alliance for their promotion of reusable nappies and positive environmental practices; notes that reusable nappies help reduce the consumption of single use plastic; and further notes that a voucher for those is issued to new parents as part of the Scottish Government’s Baby Box initiative.

933LGBT+ History Month

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 20

Kirsten Oswald

Kirsty Blackman

Paula Barker

Jonathan Edwards

Anne McLaughlin

John McDonnell

That this House notes that February is LGBT+ History Month, which aims to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of all; welcomes this year's theme, Blurring Borders: A World in Motion, which invites people to think beyond borders and to consider their place within the global movement towards equality; expresses concern that in 69 UN member states, LGBT+ people are still criminalised and targeted under numerous discriminatory laws; further expresses concern at the potential impact of the Nationalities and Borders Bill on LGBT+ people seeking safety from persecution; highlights the vital work done by community support groups, such as the LGBT+ Youth Helpline in East Renfrewshire operated in partnership by East Renfrewshire Council and the East Renfrewshire LGBT+ Youth Group; understands that LGBT+ History Month is coordinated in Scotland by LGBT Youth Scotland, a national charity aimed at promoting health and wellbeing among LGBT+ young people aged 13 to 25; wishes all involved with LGBT+ History Month every success in their endeavours; and calls on all Members to support this annual event and raise awareness of the part that everyone can play in delivering a fairer, just, and more equal society for all.

934Sheep worrying protections

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 6

Ben Lake

Jonathan Edwards

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House notes with concern press reports suggesting that the progression of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is being paused by the Government; notes that that legislation will deliver a long-overdue tightening of regulations regarding sheep worrying attacks; is concerned with the continued mental and economic pressure that sheep worrying places on farming communities in Wales and across the UK; recalls the 2021 results of the National Sheep Association’s annual survey noting that on average five sheep are injured and two sheep killed per sheep worrying attack, costing on average £1570 but up to £50,000; and seeks assurance from the Government that legislation addressing sheep worrying will be allowed to progress under the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill or otherwise separate urgent legislation will be brought to the House.

935Housing emergency

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 17

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Paula Barker

Kim Johnson

Mohammad Yasin

That this House notes with concern that the Government is providing insufficient grant for building council housing, that the current policy encourages the building of homes which charge so-called affordable rent, in reality unaffordable for many, encourages the conversion of social rent homes to affordable rent, leading to tenants in similar properties paying up to double the rent of homes charged social rent; further notes that as a result of Right to Buy council housing stock continues to decline with 200,000, less than in 2010 in England alone; notes that housing revenue accounts have insufficient income as a result of the 2012 debt settlement and government policies since then; this House, therefore, calls on the government to provide grant only for building social rent homes; notes that it agrees with Shelter's and the Local Government Association's call for funding a large scale social housing building programme; notes that grant at least of £10 billion a year is required to fund 100,000 social rent council homes a year; recognises the need to stop the loss of stock by ending Right to Buy; notes that the Government reopens the 2012 debt settlement which imposed bogus debt on housing revenue accounts; and that without these measures there is no chance of resolving the housing emergency we face.

938Constitutional referendum in Belarus

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 14

Tony Lloyd

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Paula Barker

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

That this House notes the plans of the regime in Belarus to hold a constitutional referendum; stresses that there are now over 1000 political prisoners in Belarus while 241 NGOs and 40 media outlets have been closed down; highlights the imprisonment of the Belsat journalists, Darya Chultsova and Katsyaryna Andreyeva; emphasises that there is an ongoing pattern of repression of any freedom of speech and a purge of anyone in state employment who has expressed any dissent against the governing regime; believes that, in these circumstances, the upcoming Belarusian constitutional referendum cannot be viewed as free and fair; and calls on the governing regime in Belarus to allow civil society and the independent media to operate to allow for a genuine national debate over these proposed changes.

939Belarus political prisoners

Tabled: 1/02/22 Signatories: 14

Tony Lloyd

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Paula Barker

Jonathan Edwards

John McDonnell

That this House views with serious concern the fraudulent election in Belarus in August 2020 which led to widespread public demonstrations; notes that these demonstrations have been met by increasingly repressive measures by the governing regime; condemns the arbitrary arrests, use of extreme violence by security forces and allegations of torture and sexual violence in prisons; emphasises that there are now over 1000 political prisoners in Belarus; deplores the incarceration of so many women who have young children, including Volha Zalatar, Alena Maushuk, Tatsiana Kaneuskaya, Tatsiana Zverko, Ksenia Lutskina, Antanina Kanavalava, Iryna Schastnaya, Maryna Dubrouskaya, Iryna Harashyna, Alena Kurnysh, Yuliya Laptanovich, Palina Sharenda-Panasyuk, Volha Takarchuk, Tatsiana Astrouskaya, and Volha Filatchenkava; and calls on the Belarusian authorities to immediately release all political prisoners, especially women with children, and comply with its human rights obligations.

940World Interfaith Harmony Week

Tabled: 2/02/22 Signatories: 13

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

Patrick Grady

Hywel Williams

That this House notes that the United Nations has decreed the first week of February of every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week, which aims to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith; notes that the week is based on United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/65/PV.34, which was passed in 2010 and calls for a worldwide week of interfaith harmony; joins the United Nations in recognising the need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony and co-operation among people; welcomes the events taking place during World Interfaith Harmony Week 2022, such as the webinar on Protection of Mother Earth through Mindfulness and Prayer, organised by Interfaith Scotland in partnership with Mindfulness for Earth and Faith for Earth; and encourages all people of faith to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship during this week and throughout the year according to their own religious traditions or convictions.

941Investment in Scotland's electric vehicle charging network

Tabled: 2/02/22 Signatories: 8

Douglas Chapman

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Angela Crawley

Marion Fellows

Anne McLaughlin

That this House supports the Scottish Government's aim to double the size of its electric vehicle charging network over the next four years; notes a £60 million fund has been created to advance this aim; recognises the important role electric vehicles and their associated infrastructure will play in decarbonising Scotland's transport network; and commends the example Scotland is setting in taking these vital steps.

942Tribute to Warren Graham

Tabled: 2/02/22 Signatories: 10

Alan Brown

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Anne McLaughlin

Patrick Grady

That this House expresses both its condolences and celebration of the life of Warren Graham, known as the Killie Piper, who died tragically at the age of 17; pays tribute to his fantastic talent as a bagpiper and enthusiasm for his local community; notes that he was a keen supporter of Kilmarnock Football Club and played bagpipes for the club; further notes the minute's applause for him by supporters of Kilmarnock FC during the game against Inverness Caley Thistle and the piping tribute for him from fellow Kilmarnock Pipe Band member Connor McBlane; notes that Warren played regularly at civic events for East Ayrshire Council and that Warren was a keen supporter of Scottish independence; recognises that Warren will be sadly missed by all and sends deepest condolences to all his family and friends; and further recognises that suicide rates in Scotland are still tragically high and urges people having difficult thoughts to discuss their feelings and to reach out for assistance.

944Time to Talk Day 2022

Tabled: 2/02/22 Signatories: 23

Rachael Maskell

Daisy Cooper

Caroline Lucas

Kirsty Blackman

Wendy Chamberlain

Paula Barker

That this House notes that 3 February 2022 is Time to Talk Day; joins with people across the country taking part in the nation’s biggest mental health conversation; further notes the importance of this day in bringing friends, families, communities, and workplaces together to talk and listen; believes talking and listening about mental health has the power to change lives; understands that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the nation’s mental health with around a third of adults and young people telling Mind that their mental health has got much worse since March 2020; highlights that it has never been more important to support each other to speak up about mental health; notes that a recent partnership report from Mind, SAMH, Inspire and the Co-op, shows how important open conversations are for everyone’s mental health and that support in the community such as spaces to talk, activities and services is vital to enable this; and calls on the Government to champion the importance of addressing mental health stigma and create supportive communities where people can talk openly about mental health and wellbeing.

945Raith Rovers Football Club signing of David Goodwillie (No. 2)

Tabled: 2/02/22 Signatories: 22

Peter Grant

Gavin Newlands

Ms Anum Qaisar

Mhairi Black

Douglas Chapman

Anne McLaughlin

That this House expresses its extreme concerns at the decision of Raith Rovers Football Club to give a playing contract to footballer David Goodwillie who was found to be guilty of rape following a civil court case in 2017; notes that since then the player has expressed no remorse and no acceptance of the seriousness of the judgement against him; commends the courage of several employees and volunteers who have resigned from Raith Rovers following his signing, including Ladies Captain Tyler Rattray, player Georgia Spry, directors Bill Clark and Andrew Mill, stadium announcer Johnny MacDonald, Supporters Liaison Officer Margie Robertson and Employability Project Development Officer Marie Penman; commends the speedy response of novelist and lifelong fan Val McDermid in severing all sponsorship of the club, and the decision of Tag Games to cancel their shirt sponsorship contract; expresses full solidarity with other long standing fans who have condemned the club’s actions; believes that the signing of David Goodwillie is incompatible with attempts to make all football clubs into places where players and spectators of all ages can feel safe and welcomed; and calls on the remaining Directors of Raith Rovers Football Club to cancel his contract with immediate effect.

947Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs

Tabled: 3/02/22 Signatories: 5

Cat Smith

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

Jeremy Corbyn

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs on being awarded Lancashire Tourism Award for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism; considers that since the charity’s founder Michael Gray had the idea to make the beach accessible for all many local residents and tourists from near and far have had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful beaches at Fleetwood since 2020; commends Chair of Trustees Michael ‘Mick’ Gray for his vision, and for his team of trustees for working to ensure beaches are for everyone; thanks the charity for the service they provide; and wishes Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs very well for many more successful years in promoting the stunning coast line on the Fylde Coast.

948May Miller’s 103rd birthday

Tabled: 3/02/22 Signatories: 13

Ms Anum Qaisar

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Amy Callaghan

Anne McLaughlin

That this House notes and celebrates Airdrie and Shotts resident May Miller who turned 103 on 22 January 2022; notes that she celebrated her birthday in Airdrie where she has lived for many years; highlights that May is a valued and highly regarded member of the local community; and sends May all the very best wishes.

949Prison violence

Tabled: 3/02/22 Signatories: 25

Grahame Morris

Gordon Henderson

Liz Saville Roberts

Kenny MacAskill

Paula Barker

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes with alarm the rapid increase in prison violence over the last decade, with levels of assaults peaking in 2019 before a partial reduction during the covid-19 pandemic lockdowns; further notes that rehabilitation is practically impossible inside violent prisons, meaning that offenders can leave prison more damaged and dangerous than when they arrive; welcomes the new Prisons Strategy White Paper as an opportunity to tackle both prison violence and the causes of prison violence as urgent priorities; believes the White Paper’s framework of key performance indicators should include violence against prisoners and staff as crucial metrics for judging management performance; further believes penalties for failing these metrics should include management fines, with this money used to improve prison staff injury compensation schemes; insists that rebuilding staff experience is key to reducing violence, and that improving the pay, terms and conditions of prison staff is a vital first step to solving the current recruitment and retention crisis; calls on the Government to adopt the proposals for safer systems of work in the Safe Inside Charter from the Joint Unions in Prisons Alliance, a coalition of nine national trade unions representing prison workers; and further calls on the Government to accept the pay review body’s recommendation of a £3,000 pay rise for entry-level prison officers, to halt plans for new private prisons until it is better understood why they are disproportionately more violent than public prisons, and to bring the pension age of prison officers back down to 60.

950Sauchie Community Group 30-year anniversary

Tabled: 3/02/22 Signatories: 10

John Nicolson

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Amy Callaghan

Anne McLaughlin

That this House recognises the 30-year anniversary of the Sauchie Community Group; commends the group’s tireless work since 1992, providing support through the covid-19 pandemic, helping families with young children, organising events for people with dementia and creating a sensory community garden to name a just few; notes in particular the contribution of Keith Turner and Nancy Pollock, who were founding members of the committee and are still serving today; finally, wishes Sauchie Community Group every success in their next 30 years.

951Winter Olympics team selection

Tabled: 7/02/22 Signatories: 9

Dave Doogan

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Marion Fellows

Joanna Cherry

That this House congratulates Hailey Duff from Forfar on her success in being selected to represent Team GB at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing in Women’s Curling; celebrates her achievements in her Curling career aged just 25 years old; recognises the tireless commitment of all 50 Team GB athletes, 19 of whom hail from Scotland; and further wishes Hailey and all Team GB athletes the best of luck in the upcoming celebration of winter sport.

952Humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

Tabled: 7/02/22 Signatories: 45

Mary Kelly Foy

Steven Bonnar

Mohammad Yasin

Kate Osborne

Ian Lavery

Kenny MacAskill

That this House notes with grave concern recent reports in the media on the developing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, in particular traumatic stories of parents being forced into selling organs, and in some cases selling their own children, in order to feed their families; further notes that the United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator projects 97 per cent of Afghans will soon be living below the poverty line; urges the Foreign Secretary to do everything within her power to support those struggling in Afghanistan including ensuring that all of the £286,000,000 promised in aid is sent to the country; echoes the call of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown for the UK Government to convene a pledging conference to raise the $4.4 billion needed to fund vital support; commends the reporting of UK journalists in bringing these harrowing stories to the people of the UK; and calls on the Government to work collaboratively with allies around the world to ensure that the safety of all women in Afghanistan is secured.

954Statutory Sick Pay and a living wage

Tabled: 7/02/22 Signatories: 35

Nadia Whittome

Richard Burgon

John McDonnell

Clive Lewis

Caroline Lucas

John Cryer

That this House expresses its concern at Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) being at its lowest level since 2003, according to research by the TUC; notes that SSP is worth £3 per week less in real terms now than it was at the start of the pandemic; believes that no-one should be forced to choose between self-isolating and paying their bills; further believes that adequate sick pay is a vital public health tool within a pandemic; considers that the Government’s failure to expand and increase SSP has had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of some low-paid workers; and therefore calls on the Government to remove the lower earnings limit, so that every worker is entitled to SSP, and to increase the value of Statutory Sick Pay to at least that of the Real Living Wage as determined by the Living Wage Foundation.

956Steelstown Brian Ógs and the All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship

Tabled: 7/02/22 Signatories: 6

Colum Eastwood

Patrick Grady

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Claire Hanna

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Steelstown Brian Ógs Gaelic Athletic team for their victory on Sunday 7 February 2022 to become All-Ireland Intermediate Champions, recognises the immense contribution of all those involved in the club, past and present, since its establishment in 1987 and its continued growth; notes that team's victory 3-14 to Trim's 2-5 displays their ability, skill and determination; further notes that the team has made their city, county and sport proud with football being alive and well in Derry City; and further recognises that the Gaelic Athletic Association plays a hugely important role in the health and wellbeing of communities across Ireland and Britain, forming a focal point for communities to come together in the interest of sport.

959World Book Day 2022

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 16

Valerie Vaz

Kim Johnson

Paula Barker

Apsana Begum

Dan Carden

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates World Book Day on celebrating its 25th Anniversary on 3 March 2022; commends its success in distributing 15 million book tokens annually in places of education; notes that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success; further notes that the British economy could be £30 billion larger by 2030 if every child left primary education with the reading skills they need; recognises the importance of children from all backgrounds having the opportunity to choose and own a book; and welcomes World Book Day’s campaign to inspire more children to think of themselves as readers.

961Pension Credit uptake

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 12

David Linden

Apsana Begum

Jonathan Edwards

Alan Brown

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

That this House encourages the UK Government to promote pension credit uptake amongst those who are eligible; urges the UK Government to promote the additional benefits that can be claimed alongside pension credit, such as support with council tax, support with rent in the form of Housing Benefit, alongside help with mortgage interest, ground rent and service charges; notes that the additional benefits also include support with healthcare costs, such as free NHS dental treatment, support towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital; further notes that pension credit claimants may also be able to receive a free TV license; highlights that if pension credit claimants are carers they may be able to receive extra support in the form of the Carer Addition; notes that the Cold Weather Payment may also be available to claimants if the temperature drops to 0°C or below for seven days in a row; emphasises the research by Independent Age which found that just 61 per cent of those eligible for pension credit are receiving it, meaning that around 450,000 pensioners could move out of poverty if uptake was greatly increased; expresses urgency to the UK Government to ensure that the billions of pounds of Pension Credit do not go unclaimed and that thousands of pensioners do not fall into poverty; and demands that the UK Government do everything in their power to promote pension credit uptake by emphasising the benefits of claiming pension credit through a campaign.

962Eastbank Academy given Bronze UNICEF status

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 8

David Linden

Apsana Begum

John Nicolson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House congratulates Eastbank Academy who have achieved the UNICEF UK Rights Respecting School Bronze award, accrediting them as a Rights Committed School; notes that the award highlights the school’s commitment to placing the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of their ethos and their work towards becoming a Rights Respecting School; Highlights Eastbank Academy’s efforts to create a safe and inspiring place to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive; praises the commitment to embed these values in everyday academic life, aiming to give students the best opportunity to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens; and wishes Eastbank Academy luck on their journey to achieving the Silver status award.

963Local government finance, council tax and levelling-up

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 18

Paula Barker

Kim Johnson

Kate Osborne

Kate Hollern

Mick Whitley

Dan Carden

That this House notes the huge pressures inflicted on local government finance since 2010 as a direct result of Government policy, in particular during the early part of the last decade; notes with concern the unequal distribution of expenditure cuts falling mostly on areas with high levels of deprivation across the North and Midlands; recognises the huge contribution local councils have made supporting residents and communities during the covid-19 pandemic; urges the Government to immediately improve the spending power of councils, ensuring council tax increases are minimal, whilst putting local government finance on a longer-term and more stable footing; calls on the Government to recognise council tax as an out-of-date and regressive form of taxation that penalises less well-off households, beginning a review into its wholesale reform; and asserts that no levelling-up agenda will ultimately be successful without a municipal revival, with better funding alongside increased powers, which restores local government to the pinnacle of achievement.

96422nd World Championship Scotch Pie Awards

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

John Nicolson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates The Kandy Bar of Kilwinning, Saltcoats and West Kilbride on adding to its already numerous accolades by winning the 22nd World Championship Scotch Pie Awards of 2022; acknowledges that this unique competition, run by Scottish Bakers on behalf of the bakery and butchery trades, brings together bakers and butchers from across the country to find Scotland’s best pie; recognises the achievements of the Kandy Bar in gaining a Silver Award for its meat, bean and potato pie, and bronze awards in the categories of both sausage roll and apple pie; understands that the awards recognise excellence and creativity in the preparation of a perfect Scottish pie, made from the finest locally sourced ingredients; praises the bakers and butchers from across the country who have shown such resilience, stepping up to provide quality fresh produce during the challenges of the covid-19 outbreak; believes that this latest recognition of the hard work, passion and skill of the Kandy Bar’s 82-strong local workforce, supported by a solid local customer base is truly well deserved; and applauds the fact that the Kandy Bar, owned by Stephen and Rona McAllister, has become a beloved institution across North Ayrshire.

965Visions of climate heritage competition

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 7

Kirsten Oswald

Patricia Gibson

John Nicolson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House commends Historic Environment Scotland (HES) for its excellent Visions of Climate Heritage Competition which was developed in partnership with the Heritage Trust Network and the Scottish Council on Archives in response to the climate emergency; notes that the competition encouraged entrants to capture scenes of Scotland’s changing landscapes and the impacts of pollution and extreme weather and that winners were chosen by a panel of judges that included internationally renowned climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe; further notes that entries covered a wide range of topics including the shift from fossil fuel-based industries to renewable energies and how low water levels during a prolonged dry spell illustrate the fragility of our ecosystems; congratulates in particular Young Creatives winners, Cerys James and Morgan James from East Renfrewshire, with Cerys winning the 16-17 years category with her fantastic photograph April Showers illustrating the need to find new ways to reduce the impact on the rate of increase in global temperatures and protect the plants that play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, and Morgan winning in the 12-15 years category for his photograph Our fish are made of plastic, inspired by the increasing amount of litter, particularly plastic, entering our oceans; and endorses the view of HES that images from the exhibition can help to inspire the positive and sustainable changes required on the journey to net-zero.

966National Apprenticeships Week 2022

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Sir Mike Penning

Jeremy Corbyn

Claire Hanna

Paul Girvan

That this House notes the 15th annual National Apprenticeships Week 2022, from 7-13 January 2022; highlights the opportunity that exists in the realms of engineering as well as hospitality, fintech, cyber security and applied science, as well as other areas; underlines the remarks by the chief executive of the Further Education Principals’ group that this is a prime opportunity to reflect on the importance of apprenticeships and the skills they provide to tackle the skills deficit in Northern Ireland; and urges both young and old to consider upskilling in a field where there are jobs available and to consider all possibilities highlighted during this year’s Apprenticeships Week 2022.

967West Winds Primary School

Tabled: 8/02/22 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the 50th anniversary of West Winds Primary School, Newtownards; highlights the phenomenal success of the school over those years, not simply in terms of academic results but also in terms of helping to form well-rounded children and a close-knit community; thanks past and present staff who have all played a part in the rich history of this wonderful school; and conveys best wishes for a further 50 years of working as an integral part of the fabric of Newtownards and as an encouragement to families throughout the town and surrounding areas.

969Kate Arnot's retirement from Pollok Credit Union

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 5

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

John Nicolson

That this House marks the retirement of Kate Arnot after 18 years as a Director of the Pollok Credit Union; praises Kate on her tireless public service at Pollok Credit Union where she was a strong voice for positive development and the ethical financial benefits of credit unions; further praises Kate for her community and public service; notes her particularly dedication to diversity and equality as a long standing employee of Women’s’ Aid in Glasgow; recognises her community devotion serving as Chair of Pollok Enterprise Trust a charity with local nursery Southside Daycare and which has Pollok Post Office delivering post office services to the Greater Pollok community; notes Kate’s years a Trade Unionist and a member of the Co-Operative Party; and wishes Kate a well-deserved retirement.

970Levelling Up Essex

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 2

Robert Halfon

Jim Shannon

That this House warmly welcomes Levelling Up Essex, Essex’s strategy for levelling up the county; notes that it was published as the first of any such strategy in the country; notes that it was launched in Harlow and backed with announcements of new investments into skills and training by Essex County Council; congratulates Essex County Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Louise McKinlay, and the Essex County Council Cabinet for their work; believes that strong and visionary local leadership is an essential component of the sustainability of levelling up and that Essex County Council is an exemplar for locally-led efforts to level up in other counties and regions of the UK; notes that six out of the ten neighbourhoods with the highest level of community need in the entire country are in Essex; and agrees that levelling up cannot have a restricted geographical focus, as the issues it seeks to address – deprivation, low educational attainment and skills, poor connectivity, poor health outcomes, unfulfilled life chances, pride in place – exist in all regions of the country.

971Global Disability Summit 2022

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 13

Marion Fellows

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House marks the second ever Global Disability Summit (GS22), hosted February 16 to 17 by the International Disability Alliance, the Government of Norway and the Government of Ghana; recognises the aims of this year’s summit to mobilise efforts for the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the principle of Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and building back better and more inclusive programming with regards to Covid-19; notes that globally, disabled people are disproportionately impacted by poverty, natural disasters, healthcare barriers and Covid-19, but are still excluded from many aid projects that do not target disabled people’s needs; calls on the UK Government, ahead of this important summit, to triple the number of FCDO aid projects that have disability inclusion as their primary objective by 2023, prioritise grassroots disability aid projects, to ensure disabled people are not further excluded from global aid; calls on the UK Government to include disability in the eligibility criteria for applying for refugee status in the UK in recognition of the disproportionate disadvantage disabled people face globally; and further calls on the UK Government to call on more countries to ratify the UNCRPD and match the Scottish Government’s commitment to enshrine the UNCRPD into law and champion disability rights on the global stage.

972Maxmur refugee camp

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 3

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House condemns the aerial bombardment of civilian areas in Iraq and Syria by Turkish forces during the night of 1 February 2022 resulting in at least two deaths and many serious injuries; understands that the areas targeted included the UN registered Maxmur Refugee Camp and villages in Shengal, the heart of the Yezidi community which suffered genocidal attacks at the hands of ISIS in 2014; notes that Maxmur Camp houses approximately 12,000 Kurdish people displaced from Turkey in the 1990s and that the UNHCR completed a registration process at the camp in order to build international confidence in the civilian nature of the camp, countering Turkish state attempts to conflate the camp with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK); and calls on the Government to use all diplomatic channels to pressure Turkish counterparts to bring an immediate end to the war crimes against Kurdish people in Iraq, Syria and at home in Turkey, to institute economic sanctions if necessary, and to place people and ethical principles at the heart of its foreign policy.

973Miscarriage leave in Northern Ireland

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 11

Angela Crawley

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Jonathan Edwards

Claire Hanna

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates the Northern Irish Assembly on passing legislation to allow paid leave for workers who have suffered a miscarriage; understands provisions to offer statutory paid leave for mothers and their partners should they experience baby loss before 24 weeks of pregnancy are contained in Article 112EF of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill; notes the Bill passed its final stage in Stormont on 7th February 2022 and is due to receive Royal Assent; appreciates that the provision for paid miscarriage leave will come into force no later than April 2026 following a public consultation; recognises that Northern Ireland will be the first place in Europe to introduce paid miscarriage leave in line with recent legislation in New Zealand and Australia; understands there are currently no specific statutory rights in the UK to allow paid leave for those who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy; and calls on the UK Government to introduce Paid Miscarriage Leave UK-wide in its proposed Employment Bill.

974Upholding human rights in the UK

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 19

Grahame Morris

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rebecca Long Bailey

Ian Mearns

Mick Whitley

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House notes that the Human Rights Act 1998 gives expression to values that are fundamental to the way of life in the UK, such as protecting the right to protest, freedom of expression and respect for privacy; is concerned by warnings from human rights organisations such as Amnesty UK, Justice and Liberty that the Government is undermining basic rights and liberties enshrined in the Act; notes with alarm that the Human Rights Act Review is taking place within the context of a series of other legislative moves by the Government to enhance the power of the Executive, including measures to curtail judicial reviews, which will reduce scrutiny of Government behaviour and opportunities for legal redress; believes that any growth in Declarations of Incompatibility with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights would lead to lengthy delays in human rights concerns being addressed and restrict access to justice; and therefore calls on the Government to continue to uphold human rights and ensure that everyone can seek timely redress in the UK courts if rights are breached.

975Standing Order No. 43 (Disorderly conduct)

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 16

Ed Davey

Daisy Cooper

Christine Jardine

Wera Hobhouse

Munira Wilson

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House considers that, given the breadth of the Prime Minister’s responsibilities, their leading role in Government and the country and the consequent need for accuracy in the information they give, it is desirable that the following amendment be made to Standing Order No. 43 (Disorderly conduct):

"At end, add–

(2) A question, intervention or speech by a Member setting out the reasons why he or she believes the Prime Minister has misled the House is not grossly disorderly conduct.”.

976Cholangiocarcinoma awareness month

Tabled: 9/02/22 Signatories: 5

Yasmin Qureshi

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Apsana Begum

Claudia Webbe

That this House notes that February is Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Month and February 12th is World Cholangiocarcinoma day; commends AMMF the cholangiocarcinoma charity for their outstanding work supporting people impacted by bile duct cancer and providing information, educational resources and advocating for people impacted by this aggressive cancer; recognises the importance of their GP Awareness Campaign; credits their collaborative work with health care professionals, surgeons, oncologists at hospitals and universities UK wide and internationally; further notes the symptoms and signs of these bile duct cancers are something everyone should be aware of such as abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite and jaundice and encourages people who have any concerns to make a face-to-face appointment with their GP to be checked out as a matter of urgency; highlights that cholangiocarcinoma, while still a rare cancer, is on the increase and is aggressive thus highlights that to improve patient outcome it is essential to find ways to achieve earlier diagnosis and effective treatments for this disease; and calls on the Government to support the campaign to increase awareness and encourage people to flag symptoms to their GPs to help catch up with cancer diagnosis and treatment.