Contents

Published: Thursday 21 April 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 20 April 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

1173Implementation of the Colombia Truth Commission’s Final Report

Tabled: 20/04/22 Signatories: 3

Tony Lloyd

Brendan O'Hara

Claire Hanna

That this House welcomes the planned publication in June of the final report of the Colombia Truth Commission, which seeks to acknowledge violations committed during the internal armed conflict, establish collective responsibilities for such violations and prevent the repetition of cycles of violence, and whose recommendations will need to be fully implemented to consolidate the peace process in that country; commends the Colombia Truth Commission for its work, particularly to amplify the voices of victims and survivors in the country and exiled abroad; notes the importance of conserving the Colombia Truth Commission’s historical archive, including to further peace education and create sites of conscience; recognises that the Colombian Government may need additional support from the international community to counter opposition from powerful vested interests to the implementation of the Report’s recommendations; notes with concern that civil society representatives and community leaders in Colombia are being targeted for their work to advance human rights and the Peace Agreement and are in urgent need of increased protection; urges the Government, as penholder for Colombia at the UN Security Council and a significant financial and political supporter of the Colombia Truth Commission, to help enable the presentation of the Report to the Security Council and the latter’s regular monitoring of follow-up; and further urges the Government to keep Parliament periodically updated on its continued support for the peace process in Colombia and how it is helping to address challenges.

117481st anniversary of Belfast Blitz

Tabled: 20/04/22 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 81st Anniversary of the Belfast Blitz as commemorated by the laying of a wreath at the Mass Grave of Blitz Victims in Belfast City Cemetery; further notes the date of the greatest loss of life in Northern Ireland with 900 people being killed during the night and early morning of the Easter Tuesday attack; and highlights the resilience of the Ulster men and women who grieved, rebuilt and refused to capitulate before Nazi aggression, noting that this spirit still remains strong in all within the Province to this day.

117540 years of charity work of Dessie and Daphne Coffey

Tabled: 20/04/22 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the tremendous work carried out by Dessie and Daphne Coffey in fundraising efforts for over 40 years; highlights the work that has raised funds for Air Ambulance and Ukraine in this last few months to add to the long list of charitable endeavours in their community and for other nations; further highlights the caring spirit that has encouraged them to continue to fundraise giving of their time and energy so selflessly; and thanks them for all they do to help people in need and for showing the practical side of the love of God to so many known and unknown.

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.

1099Social Security

Tabled: 21/03/22 Signatories: 19

Keir Starmer

Jonathan Ashworth

Alison McGovern

Vicky Foxcroft

Ms Karen Buck

Sir Alan Campbell

That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that the Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance (Work Search and Work Availability Requirements - limitations) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (S.I., 2022, No. 108), dated 7 February 2022, a copy of which was laid before this House on 7 February 2022, be annulled.

1153Ewen Ferguson and the World Tour golf event

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates local East Dunbartonshire professional golfer Ewen Ferguson on his first World Tour victory at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters; understands Mr Ferguson turned professional in August 2016 after a stellar amateur career which saw him win the 2015 Walker Cup and be named as Scottish Amateur Player of the Year in 2016; notes he has continued his success at professional level; further notes he is a proud member of Bearsden Golf Club and has continued his support of the local game by sponsoring a trophy and prize money for the junior section of the club to be played each year; commends him for being an outstanding ambassador for Scottish sport; and looks forward to seeing what more Mr Ferguson will accomplish in the sport.

1154WaveLength

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 5

Dr Lisa Cameron

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the issue of digital inequality and data poverty in the UK due to the lack of access to basic broadband; acknowledges that this lack of access to broadband perpetuates the level of loneliness in citizens all across the UK; appreciates the work that the organization WaveLength has done over the last 80 years to combat loneliness within the UK through the provision of technology; understands that the efforts of WaveLength are needed now more than ever after the covid-19 pandemic which subjected more UK citizens to loneliness than ever before; and vows to support policies that promote access to basic broadband for all families in the UK, which has the potential to increase the connection of UK citizens to one another in these difficult times.

1155Haddington RFC and Scottish Rugby Union Award

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Haddington RFC on being awarded Community Club of the Season in the East Region by the Scottish Rugby Union; understands that the team were recognised for outstanding contribution to the sport and local community, with their inclusive rugby opportunities, local gardening projects and fundraising over the course of the year; notes that Haddington RFC have been especially focused on supporting young people into rugby and now have over 150 players playing regularly in their minis section at the club and 100 participating in the School of Rugby partnership with Knox Academy, including a growing number of girls; praises the Minis, aged 5 to 11 years old, on planting bulbs as part of the Blooming Haddington project; commends the fundraising efforts of Haddington RFC for raising £14,000 in 2021-22 through a number of challenges and virtual events for a range of charitable causes including My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, Wooden Spoon charity; further notes that they are a co-founder and leading donors for Bloody Rugby which raises awareness of blood cancer in the rugby community; acknowledges that the club will be fitting a defibrillator and cabinet to the club house in April to support the whole community who use Neilson Park; and wishes everyone involved in the club the very best of luck with their futures and any future fundraising efforts.

1156Soup to Go

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Soup to Go on celebrating its 1st Birthday since rebranding from Broth and Blather at the Stratcherrick Hall; recognises the incredible work that the team has done to provide free lunches to those in need across the community throughout the covid-19 pandemic and the continuation of the hard work post-pandemic; and commends the fundraising efforts put in place following the end of funding and the commitment from the whole team to continue to give back.

1157Scottish-para football and 2021-22 UEFA grassroots award for best disability initiative

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates the Para-Football Scotland team on winning the 2021-22 UEFA Grassroots Award for Best Disability Initiative; understands the programme has increased access and improved facilities across Scotland to help more disabled people enjoy the game and stay active; notes the immense work done by Chair of Scottish Para-Football, Ashley Reid, Head of Community Football at the Scottish FA, Paul McNeill, and the rest of the team of volunteers and organisations who helped achieve this thoroughly deserved award; recognises that this award represents an immense opportunity to help grow and develop the whole of Scottish Para Football for the better; further notes this achievement sets a benchmark for Para-Football; thanks all those who continue to work to make the sport more inclusive; and looks forward to seeing what more this initiative will achieve in the future.

1158Skills development for Afghan refugees

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises Parker Enterprise for its commitment to providing vital support and high-skilled job opportunities for Afghan refugees in Edinburgh; calls for the Government to continue this effective programme and go further in approving more Afghan asylum seekers in Edinburgh and throughout the UK; and calls on the Government to provide further Afghan refugee housing, benefits and employment support.

1159Safe Hands Plans plc

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 5

Christine Jardine

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Chris Stephens

That this House is concerned by the treatment of Safe Hands on their over 46,000 funeral plan customers; recognises that these investments are currently at high risk of loss after the firm's collapse; acknowledges the financial and emotional distress inflicted on customers by this unexpected collapse; calls on the Government to recognise the significant financial investments made by individuals across the UK whose funeral funds are inaccessible; and demands immediate action to be taken by Government to resolve this issue for customers in a respectful and timely matter.

1160Thorne Travel in Kilwinning

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Thorne Travel in Kilwinning on winning the accolade of best travel agency in Scotland at the Travel Trade Gazette Awards; appreciates that the business secured this much coveted award after impressing a comprehensive panel of around 30 different suppliers such as airlines and tourist boards, based on professionalism, marketing and sales; understands judges praised the firm’s innovative use of digital marketing which ensures customers can be reached from all over the world, putting North Ayrshire on the map; is aware that this is just the latest of many accolades earned by this travel agency as a result of its passion for travel and the personal service with which it provides its customers in arranging bespoke travel packages, with attention to detail always to the fore; acknowledges the difficult circumstances faced by all involved in the travel and tourism sector as it recovers from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic; applauds the hard work, dedication and resilience of owner Shona Thorne and her team at Thorne Travel; and wishes Thorne Travel every success as it extends its service with a new branch in Largs.

1161Edinburgh Airport Fire Crew and the Platinum Jubilee Medal

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House recognises and celebrates the dedication and long service of the fire crew at Edinburgh Airport; notes that the Platinum Jubilee Medal is being awarded to many of those who work for the emergency services in the public sector; further notes that Edinburgh Airport’s Fire Crew is regularly called to assist the Scottish Fire Service at major incidents; regrets that neither the Government or the Scottish Government has been able to establish criteria that would allow the Edinburgh Airport Fire Crew to receive the Platinum Jubilee Medal; and calls on the Government to reverse this decision and give the Edinburgh Airport Fire Crew the recognition they deserve.

1162Abundance Hair and Beauty, Saltcoats

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Abundance Hair and Beauty in Saltcoats on its recent success at the Scotland’s Business Awards, upon its crowning as grand final winner; acknowledges that this recognition comes after its award for Ayrshire region last year; appreciates that Scotland’s Business Awards showcase the very best of Scotland’s business talent; recognises the challenging climate for the hair and beauty industry over recent years; pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of owner Vicky Bryce and the team at the salon in ensuring a fantastic customer experience; and wishes her and her team continued future success in serving the community of Saltcoats.

1163Scotland’s businesses

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the continued growth of Scotland’s economy with private sector output at its highest level for nine months; praises the resilience of businesses as they recover and grow as we come out of the Coronavirus Pandemic; notes with concern ongoing issues such as inflation, Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine which are causing significant economic uncertainty; and encourages people to get out and support their local businesses to ensure they can continue to thrive post-pandemic.

1164Federation of Small Businesses’ 10-Point Plan for Disability Employment and Entrepreneurship

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 6

Douglas Chapman

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mohammad Yasin

Emma Hardy

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises the publication of the Federation of Small Businesses’ 10-Point Plan for Disability Employment and Entrepreneurship; notes the disability employment gap is still more than 28 per cent; commends the FSB’s effort to address this through its well-thought-out plan; and encourages the Government to implement the steps the FSB has outlined without delay.

1165Energy from waste

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 10

Mr Barry Sheerman

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Mr Clive Betts

Tony Lloyd

Kenny MacAskill

That this House notes the importance of sustainable energy production in tackling rising costs; recognises the adverse effects the rising costs of energy will have on household disposable income and the cost of living; acknowledges the need for pathways to sustainable energy production in communities; believes that energy from waste is an effective means of disposing of post-recycling mixed-wastes; further notes that energy from waste will consistently deliver a negative carbon balance compared to landfill while generating energy for local communities; and calls on the Government to support the sustainable development of energy from waste plants to tackle the rising costs of energy and as a solution to waste disposal.

1166Perspectives of women in business

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

That this House commends the trade magazine Coinslot for including in issue 2779 seventeen perspectives from all roles of the progress of women in industry, with the emerging consensus that mentorship, education and support for women with families play vital parts in working towards sex parity, particularly at senior levels; and notes the contribution of International Women's Day for female trailblazers to share their experiences with younger women, including the observation by Diana Theodoridi that too often, women had to wait to be noticed, wait to be asked and wait to be invited to the table.

1167The future of Channel 4

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 12

Jamie Stone

Rachael Maskell

Ed Davey

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Helen Morgan

Mr Barry Sheerman

That this House is concerned about the Government's decision to press ahead with the privatisation of Channel 4, a publicly owned but commercially funded company; notes that Channel 4 is not run for profit and is free from the need to create return for shareholders; acknowledges that Channel 4 emerged from the pandemic with a significant financial surplus, was able to repay its furlough payments and avoid drastic measures taken by other media organisations such as mass lay-offs or pay cuts for junior staff; notes the diverse and valuable contribution the Channel makes to British television in its efforts to explore and televise alternative comedy, race, religion and disability; 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 calls on the Government to halt plans to sell off a Great British institution and to publish its analysis of its consultation on a change of ownership of Channel 4 Television Corporation.

1168Care provision for pregnant migrant women

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 12

Stephen Timms

Daisy Cooper

Caroline Lucas

Martyn Day

Rachael Maskell

Kate Osborne

That this House welcomes the publication by the Royal College of Midwives of its position statement and accompanying pocket guide for midwives and maternity support workers on caring for pregnant migrant women; notes these women are at higher risk of experiencing poor outcomes for themselves and their babies, and that midwives and maternity support workers have a duty of care to all women, regardless of their immigration status; believes that a woman’s immigration status should not be the deciding factor as to whether she can access maternity care; further believes that workforce and service planning should take into account the particular needs of pregnant migrant women for compassionate support, effective communication and continuity of care, which are essential to reduce inequality of outcomes; calls for such women not to be relocated by the immigration authorities after 20 weeks of pregnancy and for women to be settled into suitable accommodation as early as possible in pregnancy to minimise disruption during this critical time; is concerned that charges for maternity care deter some women from seeking maternity care; and calls on the Government to revoke all maternity-related NHS charges without delay.

1169Raith Rovers FC and the Scottish Challenge Cup Champions 2022

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

Kenny MacAskill

Chris Stephens

That this House commends and extends its warmest congratulations to Kirkcaldy’s Raith Rovers Football Club for their convincing 3-1 victory over Queen of the South to become Scottish Challenge Cup Champions on 3 April 2022; recognises the leadership of club manager, John McGlynn, team captain, Kyle Benedictus, and match captain, Ross Mathews; pays tribute to the skill and dedication of every player on the pitch most notably man of the match, Matej Poplatnik, scoring two goals and the two other goal scorers, Ethan Ross for Raith Rovers, and Ally Roy for Queen of the South; extends its commiserations to Queen of the South manager Willie Gibson and his team; notes that this is the 29th final of the Scottish Challenge Cup since it was first organised in 1990 to celebrate the centenary of the Scottish Football League, and was the seventh championship since the Scottish Professional Football League was formed; further notes the 2022 championship is a knock-out tournament and was contested by 50 teams from Scotland, it is the first final played since 2019 owing to the 2020 final and the 2020–21 competition being cancelled due to the covid-19 pandemic; and further notes that in previous years clubs from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have competed and that the competition was restricted to Scottish clubs in 2021–22 to help prevent unnecessary travel during the covid-19 pandemic.

1170Financial education at Crosshouse Primary School

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 3

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Crosshouse Primary School in East Kilbride for achieving accreditation of being a Centre of Excellence in financial education; notes that Crosshouse Primary School is the first in Scotland to be accredited and showcases the school’s ability to provide practical, effective, and sustainable financial education which meets the needs of pupils; further notes the accreditation follows from the school’s commitment to a progressive financial education programme; commends that the school will continue to receive support from Youth Enterprise Scotland over the next three years; further commends Crosshouse Primary School’s efforts in supporting other local schools to achieve accreditation in financial education and wishes teachers and pupils continued success for the future.

1171Turkish military action in Northern Iraq

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 2

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

That this House notes and condemns the attacks by Turkish forces on the Metina mountain area in the border area of Duhok in Northern Iraq, that have included jets bombing villages, helicopters dropping ground troops and the terrorising and wounding of Kurdish civilians on the pretext of challenging the PKK, who have called repeatedly for a ceasefire and negotiations for a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish Question in Turkey; that the Turkish forces are being aided by the armed forces of the KDP, the ruling party in the Kurdistan Regional Government, whose Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan shortly before the invasion was launched, before arriving in London for talks on trade with the Government; calls on the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to urge the Turkish Government to end this invasion and to withdraw troops immediately and seek immediate negotiations with the PKK on a ceasefire and progress towards a peaceful and democratic solution.

1172John Stevenson, UNISON

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 7

Chris Stephens

Joanna Cherry

Tommy Sheppard

Deidre Brock

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

That this House recognises the life and work of John Stevenson, a UNISON activist, who died on the 6 April 2022; recognises his work as a senior steward within the UNISON City of Edinburgh local government branch, and the predecessor trade union NALGO; sends condolences to his family at this time; further recognises his work as the Chair of the UNISON Scotland Communications and Campaigns Committee, alongside his role as editor of Scotland in Unison newspaper; recognises his role in training generations of trade union activists; recognises his commitment to international issues and his work as a trustee of the Scottish Nelson Mandela Memorial Foundation; celebrates his work in his trade union activities; recognises the esteem in which he was held by his many friends and colleagues; and offers condolences to all who knew him at this time.