Contents

Published: Friday 21 October 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 20 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

481Radiotherapy and the 10-Year Cancer Plan

Tabled: 20/10/22 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House recognises that the cancer backlog is a national health emergency which urgently needs tackling and that cancer is the most time-critical and dangerous of all backlogs; further recognises that radiotherapy is an essential, readily available, high-tech and vital cancer treatment needed in 50 percent of cancer treatments and in 40 percent of cancer cures, which is internationally recognised as a model solution for cancer backlog recovery and can help reduce the waiting lists; but notes that the radiotherapy service is overlooked and currently only receives 5 percent of the NHS cancer budget; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure a new fully funded radiotherapy strategy is included in the upcoming 10-Year Cancer Plan.

482Tommy Jessop and Heidi Carter and the Shaw Trust 2022 Disability Power 100 Shortlist

Tabled: 20/10/22 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House congratulates Tommy Jessop and Heidi Carter on being voted onto the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list; recognises Mr Jessop’s important contributions to drama, theatre, and the arts, including being the first actor with Down’s syndrome to star in a BBC drama on prime-time, and Ms Carter’s important contributions to law and politics, primarily through her tireless advocacy seeking to reform legislation to ensure that people with Down’s syndrome are equally valued throughout their lives; applauds their determination to encourage and inspire others living with disability to capitalise on their true potential in the entertainment and other industries; affirms that all lives, including those living with Down's syndrome or disability, have equal value; and wishes Tommy and Heidi all the best in their future endeavours.

483Ministerial severance payments

Tabled: 20/10/22 Signatories: 1

Alyn Smith

That this House recognises that the Ministerial and other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 states that where a Minister of eligible age ceases to hold office and is not reappointed to a ministerial office within three weeks, they will be entitled to a severance payment of a quarter of their ministerial annual salary; notes that this legislation is extremely generous for Ministers who hold positions for less than 12 weeks; and calls on the Government to amend this legislation.

484Detainment of Brian Glendinning in Iraq

Tabled: 20/10/22 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House recognises the plight of my constituent, Mr Brian Glendinning, who is currently detained in jail in Iraq where police, acting on an Interpol Red Notice, are holding him awaiting extradition proceedings to Qatar; further recognises that Mr Glendinning could face a jail sentence for what is understood to be a small bank debt from his time working and living in Qatar should extradition go through; notes that I have written to both the Qatari Ambassador and the Foreign Secretary to highlight my constituent's plight; further notes that the fact that the human rights of our citizens remain in jeopardy is utterly unacceptable; and understands that I await a reply in the hope that we can see a positive resolution to this untenable impasse before Qatar holds the World Cup next month.

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.

416MS Society report entitled Reduced to breaking point

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 23

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.

433Investment zones

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 7

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Beth Winter

Apsana Begum

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

That this House expresses its deep alarm at the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement that the Government will implement investment zones in certain areas of the UK, including West Yorkshire; highlights the history of similar policies around the globe, particularly in former British colonies, which have often resulted in the suspension of full democratic rights in favour of the freedom of capital; notes that many areas which the Government wants to target with these zones are already held back communities; agrees with the concerns of many campaign groups, including environmental organisations, who are very worried about the future protection of the environment under these investment zones which could suspend planning rules, lead to more green belt being built upon and put the freedom of capital before the urgent need to protect our natural world as well as settled communities; recognises the argument by planning experts that suspending planning rules could create slums of the future and could mean developers scrap affordable housing, flood defences and environmental protections; and believes these zones will not promote investment in communities because what is needed is a Marshal Aid-style investment plan to level up all held back areas.

434Yorkshire economy

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 5

Jon Trickett

Beth Winter

Apsana Begum

Rachael Maskell

Neale Hanvey

That this House expresses its deep concerns about the regional economic imbalances in the UK and its impact on people on lower and middle incomes; notes that Yorkshire is one region that has been repeatedly held back economically due to the concentration of power in Westminster and the City of London; further notes that 263,507 children are living in poverty in Yorkshire, even though they often have at least one parent in work; highlights that 23 per cent of children in Yorkshire were on free school meals in 2021, 156,120 food parcels were distributed in that year and that now 3 in 5 Yorkshire parents think their children will be worse off than them; further highlights that median annual wages are nearly £10,000 a year less in Yorkshire than in London; believes that the future for many children in Yorkshire looks to be very difficult unless the Government takes real action now; further believes that regions not only require economic solutions but also need major political reform; calls on the Government to pursue large-scale investment in held back regions and to level up in a meaningful way, where decisions are made in Yorkshire, for Yorkshire by the people of Yorkshire.

435School Uniform Banks

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 11

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Beth Winter

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

That this House is deeply concerned by the rates of poverty and deprivation in the United Kingdom; notes Legatum’s estimate that 1.5 million more people will be pushed into poverty this year bringing the total number of people living in poverty to 15.5 million; highlights the extreme strain on family finances and the detrimental impact this is having on school children; commends the work being done by volunteers at School Uniform Banks in the constituency of Hemsworth who are helping to provide clothes to families who otherwise cannot afford them; and thanks all the people in Hemsworth constituency who have shown solidarity with others in their community by donating items of clothing to School Uniform Banks.

438Cerebral Palsy and Transition to Adulthood report

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 14

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell

Jeremy Corbyn

Mick Whitley

Grahame Morris

Rachael Maskell

That this House welcomes the recommendations from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cerebral Palsy's report: Transition to Adulthood; urges the Government to implement an Access to Education, Employment Rights and Training Opportunities (AEERT) Bill Speech to open education, employment, and training opportunities to all of those living with cerebral palsy and other lifelong, chronic, fluctuating conditions; believes that each child and young person with cerebral palsy and their family must have a dedicated lead care professional to act as an advocate, coordinator and support from the point of diagnosis through to the completion of their transition to adulthood; further believes that each integrated care system must enhance the empowerment of young people living with cerebral palsy by creating dedicated budgets for the individual to access the necessary resources and services from the public, independent and voluntary sectors to prevent the deterioration of their health and wellbeing in adulthood; is grateful for the contributions of those who submitted evidence for that report; and supports the recommendations contained within that report and calls on the Government to implement the recommendations in that report at the earliest opportunity.

448Long Covid

Tabled: 12/10/22 Signatories: 10

Layla Moran

Jonathan Edwards

Claudia Webbe

Apsana Begum

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House notes with concern the most recent Office for National Statistics figures published on 6 October 2022 revealing the highest prevalence of Long Covid to date, at an estimated 2.3 million people across the UK; regrets the seriously adverse impact this life-changing condition has on millions of people across the country; further notes the significant impact this has on our economy and public services by decreasing productivity and increasing labour shortages; and urges the Government to recognise the condition as an occupational disease, to provide formal guidance to employers and public bodies such as schools, and to drastically increase funding for research into treatments.

449Uprating benefits in line with inflation

Tabled: 12/10/22 Signatories: 37

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: 31

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: 9

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: 12

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.

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

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 6

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

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: 8

Rachael Maskell

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Clive Lewis

Caroline Lucas

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: 6

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Stephens

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

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: 9

Patricia Gibson [R]

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Douglas Chapman

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: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

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.

464Cost of using vehicles for work

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 7

Bob Blackman

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Christine Jardine

Dan Jarvis

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: 6

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Gavin Robinson

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

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

468Location of the British Embassy in Israel

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 6

Layla Moran [R]

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Wendy Chamberlain

Caroline Lucas

Sarah Green

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: 8

David Linden

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Chris Stephens

Jonathan Edwards

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.

470Proposed Energy Equity Commission Bill

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 9

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: 4

Geraint Davies

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Jeremy Corbyn

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.

474TUC Congress 2022 resolution on the cost of living

Tabled: 18/10/22 Signatories: 23

Beth Winter

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Nadia Whittome

Zarah Sultana

Richard Burgon

Rebecca Long Bailey

That this House notes the TUC General Council Statement and associated motions on the cost-of-living crisis agreed at TUC Congress on 18 October 2022; agrees with the statement that workers are facing a real pay emergency; further agrees with its statement that a trade union agenda for change would be transformative for a country broken by twelve years of austerity and twelve years of standstill wages; welcomes the TUC's Demand Better protest on 18 June, its Lobby of Parliament on 2 November; and further welcomes its resolution to organise coordinated action over pay and terms and conditions where possible with all TUC unions, including further demonstrations, national and regional rallies, and coordinated industrial action where possible to achieve that goal.

475Councillor Connor MacManus: Young Councillor of the Year 2022

Tabled: 18/10/22 Signatories: 7

Owen Thompson

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Douglas Chapman

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Councillor Connor McManus on being named Young Councillor of the Year at the fifth annual Cllr Awards; applauds Councillor McManus on his work as a Scottish National Party Councillor for Penicuik and District, Deputy Provost of Midlothian Council, and the Council’s Equalities Champion, since his election in May 2021; notes that Councillor McManus, aged 23, has been recognised for this award for his work to use his personal experience to reach out to young people through community work with local colleges, youth organisations, schools and local networks, with a view to making the council more inclusive to young people, as well as championing change in the areas of climate, equalities, and violence against women; recognises that the award of Young Councillor of the Year is awarded to a candidate who is a councillor aged 30 or under when last elected who demonstrates a commitment to working for the community using council structures and has contributed to or delivered a key council project which benefits residents; notes that the Cllr Awards, organised by the Local Government Information Unit, are the only awards to recognise and celebrate the work of Councillors; and encourages other young Councillors to be put forward in upcoming Cllr Awards in future years.

476BBC support for victims of harassment and stalking

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 2

Mr Barry Sheerman

Claudia Webbe

That this House recognises the immense suffering caused by Alex Belfield to his victims; condemns the grievous abuse of social media by the perpetrator who repeatedly exposed his victims to hatred, intimidation and harassment online; reiterates the comments of Justice Saini that the women who gave witness acted with substantial courage and real fortitude in coming to court about matters that had a very substantial negative mental health impact on them; reflects on the ruinous physical and mental impact that this campaign of targeted stalking and harassment has had on victims with them attaining little to no support from the BBC; is concerned that the help victims received from the BBC was remote, unconcerned and without sympathy; believes that there must be an urgent reflection to identify the mistakes that were made; therefore calls on the BBC to commission an independent inquiry into the handling of this case and treatment of all staff who have been harassed.

477County lines and child criminal exploitation

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 2

Helen Morgan

Jonathan Edwards

That this House is alarmed at the expansion of county lines networks, recently exacerbated by covid-19; calls for clarification of laws to ensure that all young people who are groomed, coerced and controlled into committing crime are recognised as victims of trafficking and exploitation; advocates the adoption of a new public health approach to drug prevention that works with schools, pupil referral units and providers for those outside of mainstream education; notes the need for new local safeguarding partnerships enabling multi-agency work to identify and respond to child criminal exploitation; further notes that a system is required for seamlessly sharing data across borders and agencies and disrupting grooming and criminality that has migrated from the streets to encrypted apps; and calls upon the Government to introduce a stand-alone national strategy on child criminal exploitation that includes these recommendations as a matter of urgency.

478Global hunger and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 7

Tony Lloyd

Patrick Grady

Caroline Lucas

Dan Carden

Neale Hanvey

Claudia Webbe

That this House believes the lack of attention paid to global hunger has exacerbated this long-term and widespread issue; is concerned by warnings from the World Food Programme (WFP) of another year of record hunger; notes the number of hungry people globally increased from 282 million to 345 million during 2022; highlights that a fifth of the total population of Africa went hungry in 2021; further highlights that the WFP is currently holding back famine in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen while hunger in Haiti is also reaching catastrophic levels; notes that Oxfam says food shortages are likely to cause one death every 36 seconds until the end of the year; further notes that hunger displaces millions of people who must search for sanctuary elsewhere; emphasises that these crises are caused by a combination of global factors including climate change, conflict and economic instability; recognises that the covid-19 pandemic led to an increased gap in the funding required to tackle global hunger; is dismayed that the world is set to fail the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030, with the percentage of the global population affected by hunger on track to reach almost 10 per cent by that year; highlights that a senior Somali Government official recently said the UK has lost its leading role on this issue; and calls on the Government to re-establish the UK as a leading actor by restoring the commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of GNI on international aid.

479Bonnie Blantyre and Pals

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 2

Margaret Ferrier

Neale Hanvey

That this House congratulates community group Bonnie Blantyre and Pals for their Gold Award in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Keep Scotland Beautiful Competition; recognises that this achievement reflects the group’s long running campaign to encourage pride in the local community and builds on previous awards and achievements; further recognises the contributions of local organisers and volunteers, businesses, and South Lanarkshire Council’s Grounds Team; and wishes the group the very best in their future work.

480Dunoon Grammar School and the World’s Best School Prizes 2022

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 4

Brendan O'Hara

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the pupils and staff of Dunoon Grammar School in Argyll & Bute on winning the Community Collaboration category for the World’s Best Schools Prizes 2022; commends this absolutely remarkable achievement and recognises it as just reward for a school which has under the leadership of Head Teacher David Mitchell and his staff, become a cornerstone of the wider Cowal community; applauds the commitment Dunoon Grammar School has shown to working with and for the benefit of their local community and for striving so hard to produce active, responsible, caring and engaged young citizens; recognises this success as being an historic landmark for the pupils and staff, a tremendous boost for the entire community, a source of great pride for Argyll & Bute, and a real triumph for Scottish education; and sincerely thanks everyone involved in securing this accomplishment for the dedication they have shown in making Dunoon Grammar School an exceptional centre of learning and wishes them all the best in the future.