Contents

Published: Tuesday 18 October 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 17 October 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

458Castlemilk Explorers and the Scottish Wildlife Trust Trustee's Group Award for Volunteering 2022

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House congratulates Castlemilk Explorers Wildlife Group, Castlemilk Park Volunteers and Wildlife Watch Leaders who won the Scottish Wildlife Trust Trustee's Group Award for Volunteering 2022; commends the work of Castlemilk Explorers Wildlife group and volunteers that has been recognised in this award; and thanks Castlemilk Explorers Wildlife Group, Castlemilk Park Volunteers, Wildlife Watch Leaders, and the Community Woodland Officer for all their efforts supporting the local area.

459NHS workers' pay

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Rachael Maskell

That this House recognises the significant sacrifice that NHS workers, including paramedics and all ambulance staff, have made throughout the pandemic; further recognises that these are our everyday heroes serving our communities day in day out, often under extremely challenging circumstances; expresses its deep-felt appreciation to every person working across the NHS for all they do in serving the public; further notes the wider challenges facing the NHS after a decade of cuts and privatisation which are placing increasing pressures on the service making it harder to respond in a timely way to calls; notes that our health service is desperate for a comprehensive workforce plan and increased funding as waiting times are not acceptable; recognises these pressures and the imposition of an average 4 per cent pay rise have lead NHS workers and ambulance staff to vote for strike action; calls on the Government to immediately increase funding which will go directly into NHS workers’ pay; and urges the Government to come back with an immediate increased pay award.

460Jacqueline Crawford and the Scot Baby Box Appeal

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Jacqueline Crawford on her award of Trailblazer Woman of the Year 2022 for her vital role in setting up the Scot Baby Box Appeal; commends Jacqueline and all involved in the Appeal for their inspiring work in supporting women and children in Ukraine; notes that since its inception in February this year, the Scot Baby Box Appeal have put together and delivered over four thousand baby boxes to more than forty different maternity hospitals across Ukraine; further notes that, in addition to the baby boxes, the Appeal have helped organise the delivery of additional aid such as food and clothing to displaced people in Ukraine; recognises the importance of charities such as the Scot Baby Box Appeal and the generosity of their supporters in helping people in need as a result of war and conflict; and wishes Jacqueline and all at the Appeal all the best as they continue to provide assistance over the coming months.

461Former Councillor and Bailie, Iris Gibson

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson [R]

That this House marks with sadness the passing of former Glasgow SNP Councillor and Bailie Mrs Iris Gibson at the age of 84 of Alzheimer’s Disease; understands that, after having served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service as a Wren, working as a bookkeeper, and graduating from Strathclyde University with a Business Studies degree in her forties whilst raising twins with her husband, Mrs Gibson was elected in 1999 to the Mosspark ward and later the Craigton ward on Glasgow City Council; believes that during her 16 years on Glasgow City Council, the longest term of any Glasgow SNP councillor to date, Mrs Gibson served diligently both her constituents and the city as a Bailie; notes that in her free time, Mrs Gibson was a keen opera-lover and athlete, who ran 99 marathons, and, as a member of Strathclyde Mountaineering Club, climbed peaks all over the world well into her 60s; appreciates the profound impact Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions can have on the later stages of people's lives; and highlights what it sees as the value and importance of the high-quality and personal care Mrs Gibson received at Haylie House in Largs and subsequently at Arran View in Saltcoats, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic.

462Stewart Gorman's service with Royal Mail

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House recognises the career of Stewart Gorman, who has retired from the Royal Mail after 47 years of tireless service; notes that Stewart was the last remaining postman in Ayrshire who worked under the state-operated General Post Office; expresses its gratitude for the tremendous work undertaken by Stewart over several decades ensuring people, communities and businesses were connected, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic; is aware that Stewart is a well known face across the Garnock Valley and many will sorely miss his cheerful disposition, brightening up the days for those whom he so ably served in his role in the Royal Mail; and thanks Stewart for his dedication to his local communities and wishes Stewart a long, healthy and happy retirement.

463Zain’s curry house in Dalry, North Ayrshire

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates Zain’s Curry House in Dalry, North Ayrshire, on winning the accolade of best takeaway in Scotland and best takeaway in South West Scotland at The Food Awards Scotland 2022; recognises that this award builds on many of the business’ previous awards, including best takeaway restaurant in Ayrshire, as awarded by the Asian Catering Federation last year; notes that the family-run business has been well-established in Dalry for almost two decades and that the firm has recently expanded its menu; commends the hard work of the owner, Khurum Jabbar, head chef and former owner, Abdul Jabbar, and all the staff’s hard work which has led to them securing such prestigious recognition, particularly during a time when businesses are facing significant challenges with rising food and energy prices; and wishes Zain’s Curry House continued success in the future.

464Cost of using vehicles for work

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Bob Blackman

That this House recognises the impact that the increase in fuel prices and motoring costs is having on those who rely on their cars and personal vehicles for carrying out their work duties, particularly those in the NHS, local government and social care; notes that the current mileage rates are outdated and require immediate and urgent review by HMRC to reflect the soaring cost-of-living increases so that these workers can continue to carry out their jobs; notes that low-paid public service workers cannot afford to upgrade their vehicles to new, fuel efficient options and that mileage rates for frontline workers should reflect that; understands that temporary higher rates provided by employers are welcome but do not provide enough relief; and calls on the Treasury to ensure rates are regularly updated in the future to genuinely reflect the cost of using a vehicle for work so that workers are protected from future fuel price spikes.

465Baha'i Faith

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 2022 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and further notes that the Annex to that report which details reports of increasing insecurity facing members of the Baha’i religion in Iran, Yemen and Qatar; observes that Hon Members are receiving increasing expressions of concern by their Baha’i constituents on the growing repression of members of this peaceful faith; and urges the Government to make specific mention of the plight of Baha’is in written and oral statements wherever possible across the human rights machinery of the United Nations and other international organisations

466Fertility support in the workplace

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the huge impact and emotional distress experienced by the 3.5 million people affected by fertility issues every year in the UK; acknowledges the impacts of those issues and any subsequent fertility treatment will invariably have on the working life of all those affected; welcomes the data from the national charity Fertility Network UK that shows approximately 38 per cent of those facing treatment while working either consider leaving or leave their place of employment with huge consequences to both them and the organisation as a whole; urges the Government to ensure workplaces are offered guidance on best practice to support this group including implementation of workplace training, policies and reasonable adjustments; further urges support in calling for all workplaces to commit to recognition of infertility as a medical condition; welcomes the excellent work in this area of many organisations who are already leading the way with infertility support and the large numbers of charities who recently supported Fertility Network's letter to all parliamentarians around fertility in the workplace; and urges the Government to do everything it can to support individuals and organisations to continue to work while facing infertility.

467Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill and nature and public health

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Claire Hanna

That this House expresses its concern about the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill which represents an unprecedented attack on nature which could have significant implications for Northern Ireland; notes that about 11 per cent of species in Northern Ireland are already at risk of extinction; believes that this proposed legislation would further weaken environmental and public health protections through the removal of hundreds of pieces of legislation; expresses concern about this Government’s downward trajectory of deregulation, lower standards and environmental destruction; and urges the Government to stop the removal of important environmental and nature legislation.

468Location of the British Embassy in Israel

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Layla Moran [R]

That this House urges the Foreign Office to cease its review regarding the location of the British Embassy in Israel and commit to keeping the embassy in Tel Aviv; maintains that moving the British Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem without a negotiated peace settlement will inflame already heightened tensions in the region and will make peace harder to achieve; expresses its concern that the very act of a review is itself hugely inflammatory; notes that such a move would be a breach of international law; recalls how the decision by the United States to move their Embassy, under former President Trump, resulted in violent clashes which resulted in the deaths of around sixty people; and affirms its support for a two-state solution, in which Israel and Palestine both exist with secure boundaries based on the 1967 lines with two capitals in Jerusalem recognised in international law.

469Tollcross YMCA 150th anniversary

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

David Linden

That this House celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Tollcross YMCA, which is being celebrated by a Civic Reception hosted by Glasgow City Council at the City Chambers and a thanksgiving service at Glasgow Cathedral; commends the Tollcross YMCA for 150 years of providing recreational facilities within a safe environment that promotes education and social activities for people across Glasgow’s East End; notes that the YMCA is an inclusive Christian organisation, open to people of all faiths and beliefs and of none, which works to transform the lives of children and young people with the aim of empowering them to create positive change in their lives and local communities; and congratulates all of the staff and volunteers at the Tollcross YMCA on their 150th anniversary and applauds them on their dedication to undertaking God’s work in Glasgow’s East End.

470Universal basic energy allowance

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 7

Clive Lewis

Caroline Lucas

Nadia Whittome

Claire Hanna

Stephen Farry

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House believes the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee is socially unjust and fails to set the UK on the path to an energy secure future; expresses concern at estimates by National Energy Action that 6.7 million households could be pushed into fuel poverty, increasing from 4.5 million last year; acknowledges that access to energy enables heating, lighting, cooking, and connectivity which are necessary for a fulfilling and dignified life; believes everyone should have a warm, dry, and well-insulated home, and access to clean and affordable energy, as a basic right; welcomes that Fuel Poverty Action’s demand for a universal band of free energy called Energy For All is supported by over a half a million members of the public; recognises the overwhelming public support for action on the climate crisis, and that a response to the energy price crisis must therefore advance decarbonisation rather than deepening fossil fuel dependency; believes that the Government must prioritise a transformation of the energy system as part of delivering a Green New Deal, with a focus on equity and rapid decarbonisation; and calls on the Government to bring forward an Energy Equity Commission Bill to replace the price cap system with a free universal basic energy allowance supplemented by Social Tariff, alongside a retrofiting strategy for the Nations including proposals for a street-by-street retrofit programme led by devolved administrations and local authorities, to ensure every home is warm in winter and cool in summer, and that energy saving is encouraged and supported.

471The Leiden Declaration and support for children with speech and language difficulties

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Geraint Davies

That this House acknowledges that language is the gateway to lifelong wellbeing, including educational attainment with huge economic and social benefits; notes the research which shows that language is the route to education and one of the strongest predictors of quality of life and well-being; is therefore concerned that around 10 per cent of children, have language difficulties, either on their own or associated with another condition such as hearing impairment or a learning disability; further notes that children living in areas of social disadvantage are at greater risk of delayed language development; notes that these may be associated with behavioural problems, school drop-out or exclusion, mental health problems, unemployment and even criminality; notes that timely action will lead to greater employability, independent living, social mobility and cohesion; therefore calls on the Government to support the recommendations of the Leiden declaration of 2021; and calls for national leaders to (i) screen all children for language needs and follow-up assessment throughout the school journey, (ii) acknowledge language difficulties as a disability wherever appropriate with support and intervention, (iii) provide language support for children from multidisciplinary teams, training and empower teachers to provide communication-supportive classroom environments and (iv) develop in school curricula and education policies that are informed by an understanding of typical language development and how best to promote it.

472Bellsmyre Development Trust 10th Anniversary

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 1

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House congratulates the Bellsmyre Development Trust on recently celebrating its 10th Anniversary; notes that the Trust is a community based organisation which was established to support the residents of Bellsmyre towards engaging with, participating in and developing their local neighbourhood; believes that the Trust owned community centre, the Cutty Sark Centre, provides the local community and groups with critical services that maintains the strong sense of community that exists in the area; and wishes everyone involved in the Trust the very best for the future and thank them for their invaluable work over the last ten years.

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.

404UK Embassy in Israel

Tabled: 22/09/22 Signatories: 28

Alyn Smith

Peter Grant

Jonathan Edwards

Patrick Grady

Rachael Maskell

Allan Dorans

That this House expresses its deep concern regarding the Government's review into moving the UK Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; notes that, on 21st September 2022, the Prime Minister told her Israeli counterpart about her review of the current location of the British embassy in Israel during a meeting in New York City; maintains that Jerusalem holds a unique position under international law; reminds the Government that, when the Israeli Government passed its 1980 basic law unilaterally naming Jerusalem the united capital of Israel, the UN Security Council declared this policy a violation of international law; reminds the UK Government of UN Security Council Resolution 478 (1980), calling upon UN Member States that have established diplomatic missions at Jerusalem to withdraw such missions from the Holy City; reiterates that any country which recognises exclusive Israeli jurisdiction and political legitimacy over Jerusalem without a mutually agreed peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians is in violation of Resolution 478 (1980); asserts that a comprehensive peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians is a pre-requisite for any change in the international community’s position towards Jerusalem; reminds the Government that then-President Donald Trump’s decision in 2017 to move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem sparked international condemnation; reasserts that if the UK is truly an arbiter for peace-building and reconciliation, it cannot consider moving the UK Embassy in Israel; and demands an urgent statement on the floor of the House on this issue.

416MS Society report entitled Reduced to breaking point

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 19

Martyn Day

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Beth Winter

Alison Thewliss

That this House welcomes Reduced to breaking point, the MS Society report on the cost of living for people with MS; is alarmed by the findings that 33 per cent. of people with MS are either struggling or really struggling on their current income; is concerned that three in ten of those suffering with MS who were surveyed have necessarily reduced their spending by reducing or stopping treatments and therapies; notes the need to provide an appropriate cost of living package which supports disabled people on means-tested income replacement benefits and non-means tested extra costs benefits; and supports the suggestion that the UK Government commits to raising benefits at least in line with inflation.

429150 year anniversary of the birth of Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams OM

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 12

Valerie Vaz

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Patrick Grady

That this House commemorates the life and work of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, 12 October 1872 – 26 August 1958; celebrates his outstanding contribution to music; recognises his work was innovative and daring whilst respecting of English musical tradition; acknowledges that he enriched most musical forms, including symphonies, choral works, film scores, chamber music, opera and ballet including his Nine symphonies, and other celebrated works ‘Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis’ and ‘The Lark Ascending’, which is consistently rated one of the top ten greatest pieces of Music; recognises his travels across the English countryside to collect and catalogue over 800 folk songs; notes that for his contributions to music he received the Order of Merit; further recognises his work teaching and supporting young composers during his 20 years as a Professor of Composition at the Royal College of Music, and specifically his work mentoring a significant number of female musicians; notes that his composition ‘O taste and see’, originally written for HM the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was also played during her funeral; notes that he became the first conductor of the Leith Hill Musical Festival in 1905, which he continued until 1953; commends the Ralph Vaughan Williams Society for continuing his legacy, educating and informing the public on his life and work; and calls on the Government to recognise his role as one of the greatest English composers to ensure his work is taught in schools.

430Financial restitution to women born in the 1950s

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 47

Ian Byrne

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

Mary Kelly Foy

Beth Winter

Olivia Blake

That this House welcomes the positive interventions from many Members across the House on behalf of women born in the 1950s who have lost their pensions; pays tribute to constituents and campaigners in their ongoing fight for justice; notes that at least 3.8 million women have been impacted by the loss of their pensions from the age of 60 in three separate age hikes; recalls that 1950s born women were subject to discriminatory employment and pension laws; recognises that this included being excluded from some pensions schemes; further recognises that this had the negative effect for them of losing the opportunity to have the same level of pension as their partner or spouse; recognises that this has had the consequence of women in this position never being able to have equal pensions to men; puts on record that, combined, these measures have had a negative and profound impact for millions of women; recognises that this loss of income, coupled with the current dramatic rise in inflation and cost of fuel, food, essentials and bills, has exasperated already increased levels of poverty, deteriorating health and homelessness; further notes that pension age hikes mean that many are excluded from winter fuel and cost-of-living payments; and calls on the Government to enact a temporary special measure as permitted by international law to provide full restitution to all women born in the 1950s who have lost their pensions from the age of 60 because of the impact of the rise in retirement age.

441Fracking

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 15

Cat Smith

Beth Winter

Tim Farron

Jonathan Edwards

Kate Hollern

Jon Trickett

That this House opposes the lifting of the moratorium on fracking.

449Uprating benefits in line with inflation

Tabled: 12/10/22 Signatories: 28

Angela Crawley

Kim Johnson

Patrick Grady

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Ronnie Cowan

That this House calls for benefits to be uprated in line with inflation as a means of mitigating the impact of the cost of living crisis on households in the UK; understands the additional burdens that the cost of living crisis is placing upon low income households; expresses its concern that according to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, two in three people in Scotland are having to cut down on essentials to survive the crisis; and recognises that without uprating benefits in line with inflation we are at risk of creating a poverty emergency in the UK.

452Brazil’s Presidential Election run off on 30 October 2022

Tabled: 12/10/22 Signatories: 21

Richard Burgon

Kenny MacAskill

Jonathan Edwards

Anne McLaughlin

Apsana Begum

Claudia Webbe

That this House congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on winning the first round of Brazil’s Presidential election on 2 October 2022; notes that Lula received 48 per cent of the vote and gained over six million more votes than the incumbent, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro who came second on 43 per cent; further notes that this was the highest ever number of votes cast for Lula’s Workers’ Party since the return of democracy to Brazil in 1985 and the first time any challenger has defeated an incumbent in the first round in that period; notes that Lula and Bolsonaro will now contest a run-off election on 30 October; expresses deep concerns that in office, Bolsonaro has repeatedly undermined Brazil’s democracy and has trampled on the rights of women, LGBT, Black & Indigenous communities and environmental activists; condemns previous suggestions by Bolsonaro that he may not accept the results if he is defeated and rejects attempts by Bolsonaro and his cabinet ministers, nearly half of whom are military generals, to baselessly bring into question the integrity of the election process in Brazil; is appalled by the political violence against supporters of Lula in the election campaign including killings, violence against Worker’s Party officials and attacks on pro-Lula marches; and calls on the UK Government to speak out against any attempts to undermine the electoral process ahead of the 30 October run-off election, including through political violence, and to re-evaluate relations with any Brazilian president who comes to power through undemocratic means.

453Dumbarton FC 150th Anniversary

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 7

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Dumbarton Football Club as it marks its 150th anniversary; acknowledges that it is the fourth oldest club in Scotland and, one of the oldest in the world with the Club’s rich history outlined in an exhibit at the Scottish Football Museum at Scotland's National Stadium Hampden Park; notes the valuable and important role it plays in the community with many successful initiatives including the "More Choices, more chances programme" as well as more recent outreaches across the community; highlights that the club plays its matches in the shadow of the iconic Dumbarton Castle, at the Dumbarton Football Stadium, commonly known as The Rock; wishes the club all the best in its anniversary year and hopes for a successful season in the SPFL cinch League Two.

454Cold homes, energy efficiency and tenants rights in the private rented sector

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 11

Caroline Lucas

Charlotte Nichols

Marsha De Cordova

Rachael Maskell

Claudia Webbe

Apsana Begum

That this House notes the highest energy price crisis in a generation whilst British homes are amongst the worst insulated in Europe; further notes 4.4 million private rented sector households in England have the coldest, leakiest, lowest quality homes, and worst levels of damp, condensation or mould of any other form of tenure; is concerned that renters who push for maintenance and energy efficiency improvements risk eviction; further notes the Government's 2020 proposals requiring new tenancies to reach Energy Efficiency C rating from 1 April 2025 and all tenancies by 1 April 2028 should be made binding without further delay; considers Ministers should properly fund local authorities to exercise their powers so homes that are too cold to be legal can be made fit for habitation; calls both for an immediate moratorium on evictions and a rent freeze for tenants at least until May 2023 with a funded debt support plan thereafter; further calls for Ministers to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance rates so that housing support keeps up with rents; notes the urgent need to end fixed term tenancies and no fault Section 21 evictions, and to control rents within and between tenancies, as well as for longer term measures to allow the managed reduction of rents that are unaffordable relative to local incomes, as part of a wholesale package of protections for renters; and urges the Government to immediately bring forward the promised Renters Reform Bill to provide a fair legal framework to protect tenants and keep them warm.

455Continued operations of Western businesses in Russia

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 2

Charlotte Nichols

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its concern for the continued operations of non-essential Western businesses in Russia following that country’s invasion of Ukraine; further condemns non-essential businesses seeking to profit from the exit of major competitors in-market by evading sanctions; notes the investigation by the Guardian and Billboard into the continued operations in Russia of listed music company, Believe Music; notes the finding of this investigation that whilst claiming to have suspended operations, Believe Music is employing new staff, signing new contracts and releasing new music; condemns the finding that the company is advising partners on how to evade sanctions, including offering solutions to legally circumvent the banking ban; notes the contrast with other Western businesses including all three major record labels that have suspended operations entirely in Russia, or have exited entirely; and urges businesses like Believe Music to do the right thing by exiting Russia.

456Portrayal of IRA terrorism

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its dismay and disgust at the increasing prevalence of the glorification of IRA terrorism; recognises the hurt and traumatisation of the victims of IRA terrorism caused by such displays of hate; expresses revulsion at the pro-IRA chanting by the Republic of Ireland Women’s Football Team after their match against Scotland on 11 October 2022; and calls on UEFA to take appropriate disciplinary action that reflects the severity of this display of glorification of terrorism.