Contents

Published: Tuesday 26 April 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 25 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

1177Campaign to oppose extradition of Julian Assange to the USA

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 8

Richard Burgon

Caroline Lucas

John McDonnell

Jeremy Corbyn

Tommy Sheppard

Kenny MacAskill

That this House notes that Julian Assange faces extradition to the USA and a prison sentence of up to 175 years in a super-maximum-security prison for his journalistic work, carried out in the UK; notes that this includes the exposing of war atrocities and human rights abuses in US-led wars on Afghanistan and Iraq and in Guantanamo Bay; further notes that Amnesty International has warned that extradition of Julian Assange would have a chilling effect on the right to freedom of expression; while Reporters Without Borders, the International Federation of Journalists, National Union of Journalists and press freedom groups Article 19, Index and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom oppose extradition and have warned against the criminalising of journalistic activities; believes that this case once again highlights how the UK's extradition treaty with the US is fundamentally asymmetric and unbalanced in favour of the United States; notes that the Home Secretary will soon have to decide whether to extradite Julian Assange to the USA; and calls on the Home Secretary to reject extradition.

1178International Guide Dog Day 2022

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House recognises April 27th as International Guide Dog Day; recognises International Guide Dog Day marks the establishment of the International Federation of Guide Dog (IFGD) Associations in April 1989, notes this is a yearly opportunity to celebrate the work of guide dogs around the world and raise awareness of the importance of guide dog services to help people with visual impairments; applauds the twenty-seven thousand IFGD volunteers around the globe for their work in bringing guide dog services to fruition and also the twenty-thousand UK based voluntary Guide Dog campaigners who work tirelessly to raise awareness and understanding of Guide Dogs in the UK; further highlights that the UK still has a lot to do in making it’s transport, streets and general spaces accessible for disabled people; understands that research from Guide Dogs UK shows 75 per cent of assistance dog owners have been refused entry to a restaurant, shop or taxi; and calls on the House to ensure streets and public spaces are safe for everyone, including those with sight loss and their guide dogs.

1179The Boys' Brigade

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House commends The Boys’ Brigade on how it has adapted to challenging circumstances over the last two years and has continued to provide much needed opportunities for thousands of children and young people in communities across the UK to learn, grow and discover during the covid-19 pandemic; notes that in March 2020, for the first time in its history, the organisation had to suspend its face-to-face activities, and responded by launching a new weekly digital programme of activities for children and young people, called BB at Home, designed for parents and carers to access and use at home; congratulates The Boys' Brigade on its successful rollout of BB at Home, during which resources and activities were shared online, providing important support for physical and mental health during a time of social isolation; welcomes that the activities were freely accessible to all children and young people, not just those who are already involved in a BB group; notes that many BB groups also adapted by running virtual sessions online with their members; celebrates that The Boys' Brigade has now been able to return to face-to-face activities; and looks forward to the many exciting future plans that the organisation has for the next few years.

1180Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid - Bala Lake Railway

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid - Bala Lake Railway, which this year celebrates 50 years since the first sections of track were laid; celebrates the team of volunteers who have compiled a new pictorial album titled Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid - Y 50 Mlynedd Cyntaf / Bala Lake Railway – The First 50 Years 1972-2022, which contains a wealth of archive and contemporary photographs outlining the progress of the railway over the last 50 years; recognises that the railway was awarded the Heritage Railway Association’s Best Small Railway of 2012; and wishes Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid - Bala Lake Railway well with their celebrations which will include a visiting locomotive, traction engines, a Sentinel steam lorry, a miniature railway, a model railway and the launch of Aur Bala / Bala Gold a limited edition celebratory beer.

1181Anzac Day 2022

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 1

Andrew Rosindell

That this House remembers the heroic campaign that followed the landings of Allied forces at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli, on 25 April 1915; joins all Australians and New Zealanders in commemorating the bravery of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who, together with their British colleagues and others sacrificed so much in defence of freedom; expresses its pride at the close association that exists between the people of these three nations bound together by language, history, culture sharing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State; particularly in the momentous year of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee; and commends all those involved in the organisation of this year's Anzac Day commemorations in London held at the Cenotaph in Whitehall and at Westminster Abbey on Monday 25 April 2022.

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.

1126Disability Benefit Assessments and the Health & Disability Green Paper

Tabled: 28/03/22 Signatories: 79

Marsha De Cordova

Jim Shannon

Claudia Webbe

Jonathan Edwards

Wera Hobhouse

Nadia Whittome

That this House notes that Department for Work and Pensions statistics show that of the 1.5 million Incapacity Benefit claimants who were assessed for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) up until June 2019, 268,000 were found Fit for Work, a proportion of18 per cent, that between 2013-2020, only 66,000 out of 400,000 requests for Mandatory Reconsideration of an ESA-Work Capability Assessment (WCA) decision resulted in a changed decision, that in 2019-20, 75 per cent of WCA appeals to the independent Tribunal were won by the claimant, that by 2020, of 1.5 million disabled people previously in receipt of Disability Living Allowance who had been reassessed for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), nearly half, 706,473, had seen their entitlement either reduced or disallowed completely, that of the six million people who have applied for PIP, 2.7m have been refused, a proportion of 46 per cent, that of those going on to lodge a PIP appeal in 2020-21, 31,720, DWP conceded 10,990 appeals before they even went in front of the Tribunal and lost two-thirds of those that were decided there; further notes that while the July 2021 Health & Disability Green Paper does have some useful operational changes, it does not go far enough in remedying DWP’s poor quality decision-making and reforming the assessments regimes; and calls on the Government to commit to much more fundamental reform of WCA and PIP assessment in the forthcoming White Paper to guarantee disabled and seriously unwell people receive the social security they need to live on and cover the additional costs of their disability or condition.

1149Moratorium on fracking

Tabled: 31/03/22 Signatories: 7

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

Christine Jardine

Marion Fellows

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

That this House expresses concern at reports that Cuadrilla have been given another year to explore options for its wells; regrets that fracking for shale gas is still being considered despite the renewable alternatives that are available; urges the Government to ensure the moratorium on fracking is made both statutory and permanent; and further calls on the Prime Minister to step in to ensure all fracking wells are decommissioned as soon as possible.

1150Impact of the war in Ukraine on British agriculture

Tabled: 31/03/22 Signatories: 7

Tim Farron

Christine Jardine

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Munira Wilson

That this House is deeply concerned by the impact of the war in Ukraine on UK food production and food security; notes that fertiliser, grain, and gas price increases have put intense pressure on British farmers; further notes that Ukrainian agriculture accounts for 30 per cent of world wheat and 50 per cent of sunflower exports, and that Ukrainians have made up 60 per cent of the Seasonal Worker scheme since the UK left the EU; and therefore urges the Government to pause the phase out of direct payments for two years, immediately review the Shortage Occupation List, and release 10,000 additional visas under the Seasonal Worker scheme to give farmers more certainty for the immediate future.

1152Effect of standing charges for energy on vulnerable consumers

Tabled: 31/03/22 Signatories: 14

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Marion Fellows

That this House acknowledges the increase in the energy price cap, which will see household energy costs rising exponentially from 1 April; notes the standing charges applied daily to consumers is also rising, by at least 80 per cent in most cases; understands that this charge is applied regardless of the amount of power used, meaning that consumers have no control over this aspect of their increasing energy bills; believes that much of the increase in standing charges is as a result of the failure of 30 energy suppliers in 2020, with the cost of guaranteeing customers’ balances being added to the bills of all households; condemns the negligent policymaking and bad practice within the industry which has resulted in many energy suppliers going out of business; recognises that these increases will impact the poorest and most vulnerable the most, with prepayment customers facing the biggest increases; further notes the discriminatory regional variations in standing charges, with consumers in Scotland paying among the highest charges despite being an exporter of energy to the rest of the UK; and urges the UK Government to either cap or scrap these charges to ensure the poorest customers are not paying the most for the mistakes made in regulating the energy market.

1153Ewen Ferguson and the World Tour golf event

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 8

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

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: 9

Dr Lisa Cameron

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

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.

1156Soup to Go

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 8

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

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: 8

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

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.

1160Thorne Travel in Kilwinning

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

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.

1162Abundance Hair and Beauty, Saltcoats

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Law

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: 7

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

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: 11

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.

1167The future of Channel 4

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 17

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.

1170Financial education at Crosshouse Primary School

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 5

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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: 9

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Angela Crawley

Dave Doogan

Alan Brown

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: 11

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.

1173Implementation of the Colombia Truth Commission’s Final Report

Tabled: 20/04/22 Signatories: 8

Tony Lloyd

Brendan O'Hara

Claire Hanna

Caroline Lucas

Rachael Maskell

Kate Osborne

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.

117675 years of East Kilbride, Scotland’s first new town

Tabled: 21/04/22 Signatories: 4

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

That this House marks the 6 of May 2022 as 75 years since the designation of East Kilbride, Scotland’s first new town under the New Towns Act 1946, designed to provide good homes and jobs as part of the redistribution of Glasgow’s population with a masterplan aiming to set the best possible example in environmental layout and meet the needs of the local community; notes that East Kilbride had a population of approximately 2,400 in 1947 and recognises that ambition set means that today East Kilbride remains Scotland’s largest new town; further notes that East Kilbride has been a fantastic place for families to grow up and that it has been integral to the lives of numerous notable individuals including William and John Hunter, Lorraine Kelly, John Hannah, Ally McCoist, Roddy Frame, the Jesus and Mary Chain, Kirsty Young, Blythe Duff, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Mark Warren, Ross Montgomery, Robbie Winters and David Proctor to name but a few; further notes that George Orwell wrote his most famous cult classic 1984 while a patient at Hairmyres Hospital; commends the contribution of those who have served East Kilbride across culture, politics, business and development including Angus McConnell and John Wright; celebrates the landmark work of the East Kilbride Development Corporation undertaken until 1996; looks forward to continued prioritisation and regeneration of East Kilbride by South Lanarkshire Council including levelling up for East Kilbride’s town centre, local economy and development in order to inspire the continued success of East Kilbride for the future.