Contents

Published: Thursday 28 April 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 27 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

1184Eritrea's involvement in the Ethiopian conflict

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 1

Brendan O'Hara

That this House strongly condemns Eritrea’s continued involvement in the conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region; welcomes the tentative humanitarian truce between the Ethiopian forces and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which makes it the ideal time for a full withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Ethiopia; is alarmed by the on-going humanitarian crisis in the region, with an urgent need for aid to reach those facing food insecurity or even famine; fully supports efforts towards justice and accountability for egregious human rights abuses during the conflict, including reported large scale massacres, summary executions, widespread sexual violence and forcible repatriation of Eritrean refugees by Eritrean troops; calls on the Government to seek clarification about how Eritrean troop withdrawal from Ethiopia will be secured and monitored; further calls on the Government to consider the imposition of targeted sanctions against Eritrean individuals and entities, in line with designations already made in the United States, aimed at providing accountability for, and deterring the commission of further, serious human rights violations by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, securing their full and prompt withdrawal, and encouraging Ethiopian combatants towards a negotiated political settlement; and urges the Government to review other punitive tools and diplomatic capabilities which could be exercised to further these goals.

1185Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House recognises 9-15 May 2021 as Mental Health Awareness Week and congratulates the Mental Health Foundation for its 22nd Mental Health Awareness Week, this year focused on loneliness; notes with concern the obstacles that have hindered people’s access to friends, family and communities during the pandemic; further notes with concern the 2017 Mental Health Foundation study that found 65 per cent have experienced a mental health problem recently recognising that this issue has been exacerbated by the pandemic with a study by the Office of National Statistics demonstrating that the number of UK adults with symptoms of depression has doubled; and further acknowledges mental health problems connected to loneliness and recognises the importance of Mental Health Awareness Week in bringing mental health to the fore and applauds the efforts of all the volunteers and staff working in this sector.

1186Deaf Awareness Week

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House looks forward to celebrating Deaf Awareness Week which will run from 2nd May to 8th May; notes that the past year has seen huge progress in the understanding people across society have about the Deaf community, led by Rose Ayling-Ellis on Strictly Come Dancing and with Oscar awards for the film CODA; hopes that such high profile exposure encourages more people to learn British Sign Language and engage with Deaf culture and the Deaf community in order to break down the barriers faced by the 87,000 Deaf BSL signers across the UK; welcomes the progress made towards passing the British Sign Language Bill and hopes that this legislation will be completed before the House prorogues; and calls on the Government to ensure that the implementation of the BSL legislation is co-designed by the Deaf community who are given the opportunity to explain for themselves how policies and services can be designed to be inclusive of Deaf BSL signers.

1187Firefighters Memorial Day

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 15

Grahame Morris

Ian Byrne

Kim Johnson

Ian Lavery

John Cryer

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House joins with firefighters across the United Kingdom on Firefighters Memorial Day in remembering the bravery and sacrifice of over 2300 firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty; extends its sympathies especially on this memorial day to all the bereaved families of fallen firefighters; acknowledges the good work of the FBU Red Plaque project and Firefighters Memorial Trust in remembering and honouring all firefighters who have lost their lives while serving humanity and recording their names all over the country on plaques unveiled at commemorative ceremonies and on the Firefighters Memorial near St Paul's Cathedral; applauds the commitment and selfless dedication of all United Kingdom firefighters who stand ready today and every day to risk their lives to save others and protect their local communities from the consequences of fire, floods, terror attacks and numerous other emergency situations; and recognises the hard work and dedication of firefighters throughout the pandemic and pays tribute to the firefighters who have lost their lives to covid.

1188Arthurlie FC, West of Scotland Conference League Champions

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Barrhead-based Arthurlie FC on their victory in the West of Scotland Football League Conference A Championship for 2021-22; notes that the team, whose motto is ‘Mon the ‘Lie, received the league trophy following a game in which they achieved a stunning 8-0 victory; applauds all players for their outstanding performances and securing promotion to the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division; commends all the coaches, background staff and fans for the support they provided over the season; pays special tribute to the President of the club, David Blakey, Club Manager, Andy McFadyen and Assistant Manager, Craig Palmer, for leading the team to success; and wishes the team every success in the Premier Division.

1189Bluevale Community Club

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

David Linden

Alison Thewliss

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Patrick Grady

Carol Monaghan

That this House thanks everyone involved in Bluevale Community Club based in the communities of Dennistoun and Haghill in the East End of Glasgow; recognises that the club was formed by two local residents and has developed in a very short period of time from being a boxing club to a fully fledged community organisation; understands that the covid-19 pandemic gave the club the impetus to start providing mental and physical health support along with food programmes for people of all ages leaving nobody out; applauds the club’s determination to improve social cohesion, break down religious, race and territorial barriers; and wishes the club, its hard working staff and volunteers and everyone who uses the club’s service well for the future.

1190Youth forum at The Brunswick

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

David Linden

Alison Thewliss

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Patrick Grady

Carol Monaghan

That this House congratulates the young people of Barmulloch and Balornock who have formed The Brunswick Youth Forum based at the Brunswick Centre in the North of Glasgow; applauds the success of their recent gala day which was a major achievement; notes that they have consulted the local community on their priorities which include tackling vandalism and hate crime as well as increasing activities for young people; acknowledges other projects including mental health support, as girls’ football club, climate change and accessibility of sports facilities; supports the youth forum being run by young people for young people; and wishes them every success in the future.

1191New Rhythms for Sighthill

Tabled: 27/04/22 Signatories: 7

Anne McLaughlin

David Linden

Alison Thewliss

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Patrick Grady

Carol Monaghan

That this House applauds the hard work and energy from New Rhythms for Glasgow to transform the former Sighthill Nursery into a multi purpose community and arts venue; acknowledges that this was done with the support and help of the community of Sighthill in the North of Glasgow and funding from Glasgow City Council; congratulates them on devising a wide ranging arts, health and wellbeing programme of activities and actively encouraging people of all ages, backgrounds and races, regardless of physical or mental barriers to come together using the community hub as a base; wishes them well for the future; and is confident of seeing the wee charity with a big heart, go from strength to strength.

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.

1142Sainsbury's and the National Living Wage

Tabled: 30/03/22 Signatories: 12

Siobhain McDonagh

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House supports the Living Wage campaign; recognises that supermarket workers have been key workers throughout the pandemic; acknowledges that these workers are one of the largest groups of low-paid workers in the UK; notes that 42 per cent of all supermarket workers, 366,000 people, earn less than the real Living Wage; recognises that women and ethnic minority workers are disproportionately affected, with 49 per cent of women and 44 per cent of ethnic minority workers earning less than the real Living Wage compared to 35 per cent of their male and 41 per cent of their white colleagues; is concerned that with the combination of higher National Insurance contributions, Universal Credit cuts and a freeze on the income tax personal allowance, the average supermarket worker will be £1,040 worse off in 2022 than 2021; further notes that this is happening against a backdrop of high-inflation and gas price hikes, and will have a disproportionate impact on lower paid households which spend a larger proportion of income on gas, electricity and food; understands that effective stewardship, defined as investors engaging with their portfolio companies and voting at their AGMs, can lead to more responsible business practices; supports the campaign work of NGO ShareAction working with industry to use these levers in corporate engagement, convening 10 institutional investors and 109 individual investors representing £2.2 trillion to require Sainsbury’s to pay all workers, including third-party contracted workers, the Living Wage; and calls on the Government to join them in making this demand to the wider supermarket sector.

1143Southern Cameroons

Tabled: 30/03/22 Signatories: 5

Claudia Webbe

Jeremy Corbyn

John McDonnell

Kenny MacAskill

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House considers the genocide and abuse of human rights in the war between Cameroon’s authoritarian government and liberation fighters in Southern Cameroons, also known as Ambazonia, as an international atrocity; laments that, since violence began in 2017, 35,000 have been killed, 500 villages have been burnt, over a million children have been deprived education, more than half a million people have become refugees, with more than 1.5 million people internally displaced; notes that Genocide Watch has described the situation as an extermination, and Human Rights Watch have documented how armed groups and government forces have committed widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial executions and mass killings; believes that the history of Southern Cameroons is inseparable from the history of violent imperialism and that, as much of the current dispute stems from the British Empire’s refusal to grant independence to the Anglophone region of Southern Cameroons in 1961, the UK is complicit in this present day suffering; holds that the Government has a moral duty to act to end the suffering; further notes that the UK military has been providing military training to Cameroon's Battalion d’Intervention Rapide in Salak at a cost of £1.365 million during the last financial year, and that the UK is building a bespoke military skills facility in Yaounde; and calls on the Government to mediate a ceasefire, reverse the cuts to development funding, abandon its hostile environment for refugees and asylum seekers fleeing the conflict, and increase humanitarian aid to the region.

1144Liberty Pressing Solutions in Coventry

Tabled: 30/03/22 Signatories: 16

Zarah Sultana

Kate Osborne

Tony Lloyd

Kim Johnson

David Linden

John McDonnell

That this House notes the risk to 209 jobs at Liberty Pressing Solutions in Coventry; further notes the firm’s difficulties follows its parent company, Gupta Family Group Alliance, having faced long-running financial challenges; notes the cost of living crisis and the extreme detrimental impact job losses would have on workers and their families; believes that skilled workers at Liberty Pressing Solutions are vital for rebuilding Britain’s manufacturing base; further notes the Daily Mirror’s long-running Save Our Steel campaign and its focus on protecting jobs in the Liberty Steel Group; notes Unite the Union’s efforts to save the jobs at Liberty Pressing Solutions; calls on the management to redouble efforts to save jobs at Liberty Pressing Solutions and find a buyer; and further calls on the Government to urgently act to protect skilled jobs at Liberty Pressing Solutions with an industrial strategy and investment to transition to a green, sustainable economy.

1149Moratorium on fracking

Tabled: 31/03/22 Signatories: 12

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: 9

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.

1151Industrial action at NSK and AKS Peterlee

Tabled: 31/03/22 Signatories: 11

Grahame Morris

Kim Johnson

Marion Fellows

Ian Mearns

Ms Marie Rimmer

Rachael Maskell

That this House stands in solidarity with the workers of NSK Bearings Europe Ltd and AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd, Peterlee, engaged in industrial action over pay; believes that during a cost of living crisis employers need to protect their employees to the fullest extent possible; believes the 1.6 per cent pay offer is a derisory insult and a real-terms pay cut; asks NSK and AKS to return to negotiations and provide workers with a cost of living pay rise; calls on the Government to roll back generations of anti-trade union laws that have weakened workers’ rights and seek alternative models for industrial relations such as those that protect workers in other major economies like France and Germany; notes that the UK has some of the weakest trade union laws and workers’ rights in the democratic world which emboldens rogue employers as seen by the recent illegal actions taken by P&O Ferries; and asks the Government to provide ways to strengthen workers' bargaining power through sectoral collective bargaining as a means to protect income and deliver a high wage economy.

1154WaveLength

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 15

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.

1155Haddington RFC and Scottish Rugby Union Award

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Neale Hanvey

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.

1158Skills development for Afghan refugees

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 8

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Chris Stephens

Neale Hanvey

Hywel Williams

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: 13

Christine Jardine

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Chris Stephens

Layla Moran

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.

1161Edinburgh Airport Fire Crew and the Platinum Jubilee Medal

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 4

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Wendy Chamberlain

Neale Hanvey

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.

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

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 16

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: 16

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.

1167The future of Channel 4

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 29

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: 25

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.

1170Financial education at Crosshouse Primary School

Tabled: 19/04/22 Signatories: 7

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Steven Bonnar

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: 14

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: 14

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: 18

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: 9

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

Douglas Chapman

Steven Bonnar

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.

1177Campaign to oppose extradition of Julian Assange to the USA

Tabled: 25/04/22 Signatories: 20

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: 16

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Christine Jardine

Douglas Chapman

Chris Law

Jonathan Edwards

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: 7

Owen Thompson

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

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: 8

Liz Saville Roberts

Jonathan Edwards

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

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.

1182145th anniversary of Wardens of Newtownards

Tabled: 26/04/22 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Neale Hanvey

That this House notes the 145th anniversary of local department store, Wardens of Newtownards; congratulates the wider Wardens family and Helen Campbell on its anniversary and thanks them for their tireless drive to be relevant and modern, providing high quality goods at a good price and remaining a staple of the thriving Newtownards High Street; and further thanks every member of staff, from longest serving Nigel Edmund to the fresh starts, wishing them every success for another 145 years of dependable community focused retail in Newtownards.