Contents

Published: Tuesday 25 October 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 24 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

490World Stroke Day

Tabled: 24/10/22 Signatories: 1

Sir Robert Neill

That this House recognises World Stroke Day, which takes place on 29 October; understands that over 100,000 strokes happen every year in the UK; is aware of thrombectomy, a game-changing treatment that significantly reduces disability after stroke; notes that emergency response time is crucial to the survival and recovery of a person experiencing stroke, and that improving this aligns with the Government’s health priorities; and calls on the Government to support improved ambulance response times and access to specialist services, including thrombectomy.

491Angus Business Awards

Tabled: 24/10/22 Signatories: 1

Dave Doogan

That this House congratulates Forfar’s Water Lilys on winning Best Fashion Boutique in the Angus Business Awards; commends owner Amy Donaldson and the whole team for their efforts and contribution to the local economy and streetscape in Forfar; notes their exceptional energy in establishing their new business in Forfar and their previous recognition for business excellence; encourages local businesses to take inspiration from Water Lilys’ success; and wishes the team all the best for the future.

492ADHD Awareness Month 2022

Tabled: 24/10/22 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House recognises that October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness month, which aims to raise awareness and highlight the shared experiences of one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children and adults across the world; notes that neurodiversity matters and that for children aged between five and 15 years old in the UK, 3.62 per cent of boys were considered to have ADHD compared to just 0.85 per cent of girls, raising questions regarding the potential underdiagnosis of female ADHD; recognises that there can be important differences in how ADHD presents in males and females and that this may explain why it is not uncommon for women with ADHD to be diagnosed as adults; notes the importance of effective support for the benefit of the individual with ADHD and their family; agrees that people are all different and that people should appreciate the many advantages associated with different ways of thinking, while celebrating their differences; and applauds groups and campaign organisations across the UK for their work both in supporting those with ADHD and helping to share knowledge and information with the wider community.

493Global Registry of Fossil Fuels

Tabled: 24/10/22 Signatories: 6

Caroline Lucas

Dan Carden

Wera Hobhouse

Tommy Sheppard

Zarah Sultana

Martyn Day

That this House notes that the 2021 UNEP Production Gap Report found that governments plan to produce more than twice the amount of fossil fuels in 2030 than is consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and calls for verifiable and comparable data on the location, quantities and ownership of fossil fuels; notes that, to date, climate change policy efforts have not focussed on reducing supply of those fuels; welcomes the launch of a new Global Registry of Fossil Fuels, the world’s first public database of fossil fuel production and reserves expressed in CO2-equivalent, which is designed to give policymakers, investors and civil society the asset level data to help manage the phase-out of fossil fuels; is alarmed that the Global Registry shows producing and combusting the world’s known fossil fuel reserves would emit over seven times more greenhouse gas emissions than the remaining carbon budget for 1.5C and more than all emissions produced since the industrial revolution; believes that the Registry will help give markets information to estimate which assets are likely to become stranded, act as a carbon budget assessment tool, help just transition planning, and promote government accountability for fossil fuel reserves and production within national territories; calls on the UK Government to join the governments of countries such as Germany, France, Tuvalu and Ireland, which have given diplomatic support to the Registry, and to commit to reporting to the Registry, which currently contains data for over 50,000 fields in 89 countries, covering 75 percent of global production.

494Fundraising efforts of Bus Walker Neil Atherton

Tabled: 24/10/22 Signatories: 1

Mike Amesbury

That this House recognises the efforts of Neil Atherton, nicknamed the Bus Walker, in raising awareness and funding for the charities The Whitechapel Centre and the Trussell Trust; notes that Neil is undertaking the challenge of walking the 105 miles of the bus routes he usually drives across Runcorn, Birkenhead, Bootle, St Helens, Liverpool and Southport; further notes that Neil began the challenge on Sunday 23 October 2022 and aims to complete the challenge in seven days; and wishes Neil all the best with this endeavour.

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.

417Return of correspondence on forecasting advice on the Plan for Growth

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 7

David Linden

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Ben Lake

That there be laid before this House a Return of any paper correspondence, emails, WhatsApp messages or other such communications held by the Treasury or the Prime Minister’s Office relating to official advice or forecasting in respect of the Plan for Growth statement delivered on Friday 23 September 2022 sent between 6 September and 12 October 2022.

420Death of Brother Andrew

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 7

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes the passing of Anne van der Bijl, known as Brother Andrew, at the age of 94; further notes that he was born in the Netherlands and became famous for establishing a Christian Ministry smuggling millions of bibles to Christians across the globe in Countries where there was religious persecution; highlights that he helped to found the Open Doors Ministry which continues today, some 67 years from its inception, to help those suffering for their Christian beliefs; and recognises Brother Andrew's massively significant contribution to the Christian Church worldwide as worthy of the utmost respect.

4262022 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 8

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

Chris Stephens

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

That this House notes the 2022 report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief; and further notes the Annex to this report which details reports of increasing insecurity facing members of the Baha’i religion in Iran, Yemen and Qatar; observes that Members of this House are receiving increasing expressions of concern by their Baha’i constituents on the growing repression of members of this peaceful faith; and urges the UK 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.

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

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 13

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: 63

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.

431Strangford College 25th Anniversary

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Patrick Grady

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House celebrates the 25th anniversary of Strangford Integrated College in Carrowdore, Strangford; notes the hard work and consistent efforts of all students and teachers; highlights its ethos of encouraging students on the importance of working hard and striving for the best; further notes the official opening of the school on 1 September 1997 and their continued success thus far; understands the importance of the proper functioning of the school for the rural community of which it lies, where many families choose to send their children for education; thanks the teachers for their efforts in ensuring that all pupils are given equal opportunities and pushed to be their very best; and wishes the school all the best for the next 25 years.

432Irish Baptist College 130 Years Anniversary

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 6

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Patrick Grady

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

That this House celebrates that the Irish Baptist College, established in Dublin, has been serving Irish Baptists for 130 years and has dedicated its existence to showing the United Kingdom God's faithfulness; praises the Gospel for constituently training men and women for gospel service in a variety of spheres; further notes the gospel as a training ministry and recognises the multiple positions filled over the summer by new graduates; underlines the dedication to faith highlighted through the multiple gospel positions offered by the Baptist College; and thanks the College for the invaluable teaching it provides to people in regards to faith and our Lord and wishes them well for the future.

445Leviton Network Solutions Europe 50th anniversary in business

Tabled: 11/10/22 Signatories: 9

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Anne McLaughlin

That this House congratulates Leviton on celebrating their 50th year in business in Glenrothes; notes that the company formerly known as Brand-Rex (1972–2018) has been a major employer in the town during this time and is one of their two manufacturing sites in the UK making cables for cabling and connectivity systems for data networks used in almost every walk of life with around 200 employees currently; highlights the range of sectors that benefit from their products including airport traffic control to banking and much more; commends Leviton on their hard work supporting local organisations including Muirhead Outreach and Glenrothes Foodbank, and for their work on keeping plastic pellets out of the Ocean by staff taking part in the Great Nurdle Hunt; further highlights Leviton’s commitment to Auchmuty High School with the Developing Young Workforce initiative; commends Leviton’s efforts in being among the first to become carbon neutral in 2011 by cutting down on energy consumption and raw materials being used as well as striving to support environmental projects and becoming the US parent company’s blueprint for its global sustainability plans; and wishes Ian Wilkie, Managing Director in the UK since 2016, and all the hard working staff all the best for the next 50 years and beyond.

449Uprating benefits in line with inflation

Tabled: 12/10/22 Signatories: 39

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.

453Dumbarton FC 150th Anniversary

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 10

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.

455Continued operations of Western businesses in Russia

Tabled: 13/10/22 Signatories: 3

Charlotte Nichols

Jim Shannon

Amy Callaghan

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: 5

Carla Lockhart

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

Paul Girvan

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.

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

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 8

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.

460Jacqueline Crawford and the Scot Baby Box Appeal

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 7

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.

464Cost of using vehicles for work

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 22

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: 7

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

466Fertility support in the workplace

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Gavin Robinson

Claire Hanna

Paul Girvan

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.

469Tollcross YMCA 150th anniversary

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 10

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.

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

Tabled: 17/10/22 Signatories: 6

Geraint Davies

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Jeremy Corbyn

Paul Girvan

Christine Jardine

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: 27

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: 10

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.

478Global hunger and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 19

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.

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

Tabled: 19/10/22 Signatories: 8

Brendan O'Hara

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Anne McLaughlin

Alyn Smith

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.

481Radiotherapy and the 10-Year Cancer Plan

Tabled: 20/10/22 Signatories: 5

Tim Farron

Jonathan Edwards

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Dr Lisa Cameron

Douglas Chapman

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

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: 13

Alyn Smith

Douglas Chapman

Dr Philippa Whitford

Jonathan Edwards

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Anne McLaughlin

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.

485Upholding the integrity of the office of Prime Minister

Tabled: 21/10/22 Signatories: 12

Daisy Cooper

Stephen Farry

Wendy Chamberlain

Ed Davey

Layla Moran

Sarah Olney

That this House believes that the upholding of standards by its Members is of vital importance to the functioning of UK democracy; believes that it is vital that the Prime Minister and Ministers uphold these standards; and therefore resolves that any hon. or right hon. Member who is found to have broken the law whilst in Government should be barred from holding Prime Ministerial Office.

486Statutory maternity pay

Tabled: 21/10/22 Signatories: 6

Ed Davey

Stephen Farry

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the current legal framework for qualifying for statutory maternity pay is poorly suited to 21st century working life; notes with concern the potential limits this policy places on women’s freedom to choose where they work, especially amidst the current cost of living crisis; recognises the lack of a statutory duty for prospective employers to disclose their maternity policies to prospective candidates prior to employment; and calls on the Government to reform the current provisions so that women who have held different jobs can transfer their length of employment as they change jobs for the purpose of qualifying for statutory maternity pay.

487Cost of living and unpaid carers

Tabled: 21/10/22 Signatories: 11

Ed Davey

Helen Morgan

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Richard Foord

Daisy Cooper

Stephen Farry

That this House notes with concern the findings of Carers UK’s survey entitled Heading for crisis: Caught between caring and rising costs, which reports that the cost of living crisis is plunging thousands of unpaid carers across the UK into debt; recognises that many family carers cannot make decisions to cut back on food or heating to stay afloat without affecting the safety of the person they care for; acknowledges the enormous financial burden people on Carers Allowance face, as they are limited in their ability to earn income but often shoulder additional costs for their loved ones out of their own pocket; condemns the lack of adequate financial support available for unpaid carers, with 39 percent of survey respondents saying they are struggling to make ends meet; and calls on the Government to immediately provide carers with the support they need by uprating Carers Allowance at least in line with inflation.

488Support for mortgage interest

Tabled: 21/10/22 Signatories: 3

Mark Tami

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that the mechanisms of Support for Mortgage Interest were designed at a point in time when both inflation and interest rates were more stable; recognises that many of those in receipt of Support for Mortgage Interest receive significantly less than their required payments and must make up the balance from subsistence benefits; appreciates the challenges inherent in designing a system that is fair to all taxpayers whilst preventing homelessness and poverty; believes that in the current cost of living crisis that the present system is failing to meet these goals; takes particular note in this context of the mechanism for setting the maximum rate payable using the Bank of England average mortgage rate which causes delays in recognising rate increases; further recognises the significant disparity between the generosity of the local housing allowance system to landlords with buy-to-let mortgages and Support for Mortgage Interest which is repayable; and calls on the Government to undertake a review of this system as a matter of urgency.

489Centenary of Carfin Grotto

Tabled: 21/10/22 Signatories: 7

Marion Fellows

Patrick Grady

Steven Bonnar

Carol Monaghan

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates all those associated with Carfin Grotto in the Diocese of Motherwell, which was opened by Monsignor Thomas Canon Taylor in October 1922 as a place of pilgrimage, prayer and reflection dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes; notes that the Grotto now attracts over 70,000 pilgrims each year from around the world, and that as part of the anniversary celebrations the Grotto was the Scottish host of the relics of St Bernadette Soubirous, the Lourdes visionary, which where were visited by thousands of pilgrims in September 2022; further notes that a special anniversary Mass on 22 October 2022 was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, and that to mark the anniversary the Grotto has been declared Scotland’s National Marian Shrine by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland; and sends its best wishes to all those who serve, visit and pray at the Shrine as it enters its second century as a place of worship, devotion and pilgrimage.