Contents

Published: Wednesday 9 November 2022

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 8 November 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

551Employment at Birkbeck College

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

John McDonnell

That this House is deeply concerned at the news from Birkbeck College that up 140 members of staff could face compulsory redundancy as part of a restructuring plan; recognises that Birkbeck College is a unique institution which, for 200 years, has provided access to education for adults from diverse social and education backgrounds, and helped transformed higher learning in Britain whilst delivering cutting-edge research; appreciates that Higher Education is facing difficulties everywhere, but time and again Birkbeck has shown itself able to adapt and change; and therefore calls on the college to rule out compulsory redundancies and instead invest in Birkbeck as an institution dedicated to working people.

552Industrial action at Jacob's Bakery

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Dan Carden

That this House supports members of the GMB union employed by Pladis Global at Jacob’s Bakery, Aintree, Liverpool who are taking strike action in a long-running dispute over pay and terms and conditions; believes that these workers should be treated fairly and given a pay deal that reflects the rising cost of living; notes that Pladis Global saw profits of £220m last year; further notes that the Aintree site is Jacob’s first factory in England and has operated for over a century; and urges Pladis Global to negotiate a fair deal with the GMB and work with the union to secure the future of the factory and prioritise its most valuable asset, the workforce.

553Freeing political prisoners ahead of elections in Bahrain

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

That this House notes that parliamentary elections will take place in Bahrain on 12 November 2022 amidst ongoing repression; decries that leading opposition figures including Hassan Mushaima, Abduljalil Al Singace, Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, Abdulwahab Husain and Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al Muqdad remain behind bars serving life sentences for their roles in the 2011 pro-democracy uprising in Bahrain, along with the leader of Al Wefaq, Sheikh Ali Salman, despite international calls for them to be released; raises concerns that Bahrain’s 2018 political isolation law prohibits members of dissolved political societies and sentenced individuals from running for office or voting, even if they were pardoned; further raises concerns that tens of thousands of people will not be able to stand as candidates in the election as a result of this legislation; denounces threats made by Bahrain’s Office of the Public Prosecution that anyone who calls for the elections to be boycotted will face imprisonment and a fine; contends that Bahrain’s parliament lacks the legislative power to effectively scrutinise government Ministers or officials; fears that Bahrain’s elections will lack legitimacy and make a mockery of democratic principles; calls upon Bahrain to release opposition leaders, all political prisoners and death row inmates highlighted in the recent report by the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy and Human Rights Watch ahead of elections; and calls on the Government not to recognise the outcome of these elections and to urge Bahrain to release all opposition figures immediately and unconditionally and repeal its repressive political isolation law.

55425th Anniversary of The Link Family and Community Centre

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates with pride the 25th Anniversary of The Link Family and Community Centre in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; notes the hard work and dedication by all members of staff and volunteers of all ages; further notes their time and commitment in being there to help others, especially over the last few years throughout the impacts of the pandemic; highlights their launch of their "Our Community, Our Future" programme, in partnership with Thrive Island, which encourages so many local people from all sorts of different organisations and statutory agencies to look after their local community; congratulates them on the successes of the last twenty-five years; and wishes them all the best for the next

555Use of COP27 to make direct representations to the Egyptian Government for Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s immediate release

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Olivia Blake

This house condemns Alaa Abd el-Fattah’s ongoing imprisonment in Egypt; expresses serious concern at his treatment by Egyptian authorities and for his health and wellbeing; notes that he has been on hunger strike for over six months and has now begun a water strike; further notes that his imprisonment is part of a wider pattern of political arrests and disappearances and that he is one of as many as 60,000 political prisoners held in Egypt; also notes that Abd el-Fattah is a British citizen and therefore entitled to consular support from the British embassy; also notes with concern that the UK Government has yet to call publicly for his unconditional release; also notes that the total value of UK arms exports licensed to Egypt in the last three years was £24m and that this would provide significant leverage in talks to secure Abd el-Fattah’s release; and urges the Government to use COP27 to make direct representations to the Egyptian Government for Abd el-Fattah’s immediate release and to provide him with independent medical assistance.

556Late payments and SMEs

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House recognises how poor payment practices impact on small to medium sized businesses; notes that late payments of invoices beyond 30 days can make or break an SME in terms of the knock on effect on payment of staff, paying suppliers, operating costs and servicing debt, not to mention detriment to mental health and, in the worst cases, going out of business as a result; further recognises that SMEs are already struggling in a hugely difficult economic environment due to the cost of living and energy crisis, recovery from the pandemic and Brexit; further notes that research has shown that late payment of invoices has worsened since the pandemic; believes that the Government's Prompt Payment Code does not go far enough; and further believes that in order to provide stability and security for SMEs, the very backbone of our economy in the UK, these businesses need effective payment structures to nourish an ethical and more transparent business environment and consequently allow more small firms to survive and grow.

557Pressure ulcers and International Stop the Pressure Day

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Margaret Greenwood

That this House acknowledges that 17 November 2022 marks International Stop the Pressure Day, an annual awareness day which aims to create a significant culture shift and eliminate avoidable pressure ulcers in all health and care settings; notes that pressure ulcers are one of the easiest to prevent, but hardest to treat, problems experienced by the spinal cord injured community; further notes the devastating consequences that pressure ulcers can have on quality of life for people who experience them and their loved ones; recognises that pressure ulcers require constant vigilance and can escalate quickly to the point where they become life-threatening; further recognises that the Spinal Injuries Association estimates that treating pressure ulcers are estimated to cost the combined National Health Services of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland more than five million pounds every single day; welcomes International Stop the Pressure Awareness Day and the role it plays in raising awareness about pressure ulcers; believes that NHS services should routinely record incidence of pressure ulcers; and calls on the Government to invest more in research and increase funding for treatment and prevention of pressure ulcers to improve patient care and reduce the long-term financial cost to the NHS.

558Trophy hunting import and exports

Tabled: 8/11/22 Signatories: 1

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes the recent report of the APPG on Banning Trophy Hunting and Britain: The Case for a Ban, its contributions from IUCN scientists, CITES officials and African community leaders, and its findings that trophy hunting is exacerbating the conservation crisis and that African communities are overwhelmingly opposed to the practice; notes the concerning status of the most popular African animals shot by British trophy hunters, including elephants that are classed endangered by IUCN, the hippopotamus, zebra and leopard that are classed as vulnerable, that lion populations have fallen from 200,000 in the 1970s to 10,000, and that British trophy hunters have shot threatened cheetahs, black rhinos and polar bears; notes that British trophy hunters are winning prizes from killing large numbers of animals, including an award for shooting animals from 125 different species, and British-owned firms are selling holidays to shoot endangered animals; notes that 86 per cent of submissions received by DEFRA from experts and others during the public consultation expressed support for a ban, that opinion polls show nine out of 10 voters support a ban, and that a ban enjoys support from cross-party MPs and Lords, media organisations, and conservation and animal welfare charities; and calls on the Government to fully support the passage of this bill, including as a tribute to the late Sir David Amess MP who campaigned tirelessly on this issue, and to allocate whatever time may be necessary for the bill to pass.

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.

499NHS and privatisation

Tabled: 25/10/22 Signatories: 28

Kate Osborne

Barry Gardiner

Richard Burgon

Rachael Maskell

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

John McDonnell

That this House believes that privatisation of the NHS has failed, it has led to a crisis in the NHS with higher waiting lists, decisions made on cost not health needs, has led to billions of pounds being taken by private profit making companies at the expense of services; further believes that privatisation in the NHS is leading to thousands of excess deaths in the UK; believes the UK's free, comprehensive, universal healthcare system is at risk; affirms that insurance-based health service systems, such as in the US, are more expensive than the NHS, less efficient than the NHS and leave many millions without healthcare; welcomes the campaigning work from Your NHS Needs You, We Own it and SOS NHS that highlights the disastrous consequences of NHS privatisation and the growth of the UK health insurance industry; and recognises that we must fully renationalise the NHS in order to save UK lives.

500Orstead UK wind operations

Tabled: 25/10/22 Signatories: 9

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Kim Johnson

Rachael Maskell

Claudia Webbe

That this House condemns the behaviour of Orstead UK wind operations in the way it has failed consistently to maintain decent standards of employment, including health and safety standards, while it has resorted to bullying workers who have exposed health and safety failures and the lack of adherence to safe working practices; further notes the company's growing reputation for profiteering at the expense of its workers' health and safety, wage levels and conditions of employment; and expresses deep concern at the refusal of the company to recognise the Rail and Maritime Union (RMT), the union organising the company's workforce.

504BBC Radio services to global audiences

Tabled: 26/10/22 Signatories: 20

Grahame Morris

Jamie Stone

Caroline Lucas

Chris Stephens

Liz Saville Roberts

Claire Hanna

That this House recognises the tremendous value of BBC radio broadcasts in providing a global audience with a reliable, accurate and trustworthy source of news and information; is concerned at the recent cuts announced to BBC World Service, with the loss of hundreds of experienced journalists’ jobs, and also to several dedicated BBC foreign language services which will now move to digital-only provision; notes that, as the experience in Ukraine has demonstrated, radio provides a vital life-line where digital-only services are lost owing to the blocking of internet access; is further concerned about the impact of the closure of BBC Persian radio and BBC Arabic radio in the light of recent events in Iran; and therefore calls on BBC management to review and reverse these cuts, and on the Government to return responsibility for the funding of BBC World Service to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

505Experiences of cancer support and services

Tabled: 26/10/22 Signatories: 11

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Patricia Gibson

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House commends the work of local authorities in Scotland, including East Dunbartonshire, on Improving the Cancer Journey; understands that cancer does not just affect physical wellbeing it impacts upon every aspect of life whether its financial, emotional, medical, or practical; notes this work helps to support people affected by cancer, their families, and carers by providing structured individualised help as soon as they need it; recognises that holistic support after diagnosis enables those living with cancer and beyond to live as well and independently as possible; further recognises the likelihood of this work to improve cancer outcomes and save lives; and further notes that these services work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland.

508Industrial action at Hinduja Global Solutions

Tabled: 26/10/22 Signatories: 14

Kim Johnson

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Dan Carden

Beth Winter

Claudia Webbe

That this House supports members of the Public and Commercial Services Union who are employed by Hinduja Global Services as part of the Disclosure and Barring Service contract who are on strike in a long-running dispute over pay and terms and conditions; notes that staff working on this contract are demanding the real living wage of £10.90 per hour; is aware that the current pay offer from Hinduja Global Services of 3.25 per cent would result in many staff continuing to earn well below the real living wage at a time of rising inflation; further notes that Hinduja Global Services is owned by one of the richest families in the UK who have amassed a fortune of over £24 billion and can afford to pay its staff a real living wage; and calls on the Government to intervene in this dispute to ensure that these dedicated workers are treated fairly and receive adequate pay which reflects the rising cost of living.

510Industrial relations at Ørsted

Tabled: 27/10/22 Signatories: 15

Mick Whitley

Ian Mearns

Kate Hollern

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

That this House is concerned by industrial relations at offshore wind multinational Ørsted, which is majority-owned by the Danish Government; notes that a 3.5 per cent consolidated pay increase has been rejected by RMT members working out of Birkenhead, Brightlingsea, Grimsby and Barrow on Ørsted’s operational offshore wind farms powering UK homes, schools, hospitals and businesses; further notes that the RPI inflation rate, used for pay negotiations, stands at 12.6 per cent, which is accelerating the cost of living crisis; regrets that Ørsted is refusing to discuss this pay dispute with trade union representatives from RMT; further notes that Ørsted recorded a profit of £644 million in the first quarter of 2022, a staggering 257 per cent increase from the same period a year earlier; applauds the hard work of Ørsted’s workers in the UK in delivering this increased profitability in safe and sustainable working conditions; is alarmed by RMT reports that a union member is being victimised for raising genuine health and safety concerns with this employer; fully supports a worker-led safety culture in the offshore renewables sector; and calls on the Government to ensure that the safety and employment rights of offshore wind workers at Ørsted and at renewable energy companies across the UK Exclusive Economic Zone are fully respected.

512Proposed re-opening of Haslar and Campsfield Immigration Removal Centres

Tabled: 28/10/22 Signatories: 19

Layla Moran

Chris Stephens

Wendy Chamberlain

Stuart C McDonald

John McDonnell

Anne McLaughlin

That this House strongly opposes the Home Office’s plan to re-open Haslar Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) in Gosport, Hampshire, which was closed down in 2015; notes the proposed re-opening of an IRC at the site of Campsfield House in Kidlington, Oxford, which combined with Haslar IRC will add a total of 1,000 new detention spaces, an increase of 33 per cent, and will cost the taxpayer £339 million; expresses concern that this reverses the Government’s previous commitment to reducing the size and use of the immigration detention estate, made following Stephen Shaw’s independent review of immigration detention in 2016 commissioned by the Home Office; believes that the £399 million of taxpayers’ money could be spent in a more effective way to handle asylum cases humanely; further notes with concern that the re-opening of the IRCs has been specifically linked to the detainment of people before they are sent to Rwanda under the UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Plan; further notes that seeking asylum is not a crime; raises concerns about the lack of effective safeguarding and inhumane conditions across the detention estate as a whole; remembers the 55 people known to have died whilst held under immigration powers since 2000, including 30 through suicide; calls on the Home Office to reverse its decision and to ensure that Haslar IRC remains closed; and calls for an end to the practice of indefinite detention in the UK.

513Global hunger and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (No. 2)

Tabled: 31/10/22 Signatories: 20

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Richard Burgon

Chris Stephens

Dan Carden

That this House is concerned by projections from the World Food Programme (WFP) that famine will take hold in parts of Somalia, with 7.1 million people facing acute food insecurity, while UNICEF estimates that a child has been sent to hospital over malnutrition every minute since August 2022; notes that a major cause of the crisis is the worst drought in the Horn of Africa for four decades; emphasises the role of climate change in this; highlights that the crisis has been worsened by conflict, with a correlation between areas projected to fall into famine and those impacted by non-state armed groups; notes that this also restricts humanitarian operations; stresses the impact of the war in Ukraine, with at least 90 per cent of Somalia’s wheat coming from Russia and Ukraine prior to the February 2022 invasion; highlights that this crisis has displaced over a million people, while disease is spreading rapidly in displacement camps; is dismayed that the world is set to fail the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030; emphasises that a senior Somali Government official recently said the UK has lost its leading role on this issue; notes that this is despite the UK’s ongoing commitment to providing security assistance to the Somali Government; and calls on the Government to (a) combine its security role in Somalia with greater humanitarian assistance, (b) support international and non-governmental humanitarian organisations operating in Somalia and (c) restore the commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of GNI on international aid.

521Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus

Tabled: 1/11/22 Signatories: 11

Grahame Morris

Jim Shannon

Mr Barry Sheerman

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House is concerned about the increasing risk of extinction of Asian elephants; praises the conservation efforts of Chester Zoo including their ground-breaking scientific research in collaboration with the University of Surrey into the development of a vaccine to combat Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus which has a fatality rate of over 80 per cent in young elephants; and calls on the Government to support conservation zoos in their mission to prevent extinction.

522St Andrew's High School, Coatbridge and UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School Award

Tabled: 1/11/22 Signatories: 22

Steven Bonnar

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Marion Fellows

Douglas Chapman

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates the pupils and staff of St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge on receiving the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting School award from UNICEF; notes that the Gold award is the highest accolade that UNICEF can bestow on a school and that it recognises St Andrews’ High Schools steadfast and continuous commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life; acknowledges that the school has embedded the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos and curriculum; further recognises the excellent work of Headteacher Mr Peter Holmes, all of his staff, particularly Ms Megan Connor the school’s rights respecting lead; and wishes everyone at St Andrew’s High, Coatbridge every success for the future.

524Domestic abuse and coercive behaviour education

Tabled: 1/11/22 Signatories: 11

Layla Moran

Jim Shannon

Wera Hobhouse

Wendy Chamberlain

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House recognises the importance of the survivor-led “Make It Mandatory campaign” backed by the domestic violence charity Refuge; gives special thanks to survivors, particularly founder Faustine Petron and her team, for their tireless campaigning efforts to prevent domestic abuse amongst young people through education; notes with concern that half of 16 to 19-year-olds surveyed by Refuge said they had experienced controlling or coercive behaviour in a relationship; further notes that a third of those surveyed said they would not know where, or who, to turn to for support if they were experiencing abuse; expresses alarm that only half of the young people surveyed said they had received education on domestic abuse despite this being mandatory in secondary schools since 2020; and therefore urges the Government to embed education on domestic abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour in the school curriculum by enforcing it in all secondary schools and making it mandatory for all sixth forms as well as expanding training for staff in educational settings.

525TIGA UK games education awards

Tabled: 1/11/22 Signatories: 7

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates winners of the prestigious Education Awards 2022 hosted by The Independent Game Developers’ Association (TIGA), particularly Marco Gilardi lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland who won the TIGA Innovation in Teaching Award and Hawthorne Games from Abertay University who won the Creative Assembly Best Student Game 2022; notes that 80 per cent of the games development workforce is qualified to degree level or above; recognises the economic importance of the sector which contributes £2.9 billion to UK GDP annually; acknowledges the industry’s support of growth in clusters throughout the UK with 80 per cent of the workforce based outside of London; further notes TIGA’s vision to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games excellence and exceptional talent in our sector; and commends all the excellent students, universities and educational practices celebrated by the Education Awards.

526S4C 40th anniversary

Tabled: 1/11/22 Signatories: 8

Ben Lake

Jim Shannon

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Jonathan Edwards

Patrick Grady

That this House celebrates the 40th birthday of S4C; notes that the channel has been at the heart of Welsh cultural life for four decades and continues to play a central role as a key promoter of the Welsh language to new audiences, giving a global platform to the language and giving hundreds of thousands of people access to news, entertainment, drama and documentaries; acknowledges that the broadcaster was only established as a result of many years of protest, including by Plaid Cymru’s first MP, Gwynfor Evans; argues that only by devolving broadcasting to Wales can the long-term future of this treasured national institution be safeguarded; and calls on the Government to provide further resources to S4C, and a fairer settlement to public service broadcasters whose work contributes to the shared goal of securing a mullion Welsh speakers by 2050.

527Disability and the cost of living crisis

Tabled: 2/11/22 Signatories: 22

Debbie Abrahams

Marsha De Cordova

Kate Hollern

Ben Lake

Yvonne Fovargue

Dan Carden

That this House congratulates the Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel on their recent Big Disability Survey, the largest survey of disabled people in the UK, and the report highlighting the barriers disabled people face; notes its key findings, that disabled people in Greater Manchester are living under a threefold assault on their rights and quality of life: firstly, through austerity, then covid-19 and now as a result of the cost- of- living crisis; further notes its finding that disabled people are experiencing shocking levels of poverty; furthers notes disabled people are commonly often unaware of their rights under legislation and when they are aware, have little access to legal advice provision and advocacy and are often also digitally excluded and have a right to accessible information; notes its recommendations, firstly to increase disabled people’s income, secondly to provide decent, affordable and accessible housing and finally to ensure the protection of disabled people’s human rights, as defined under the UN Conventions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and calls on the Government to recognise these findings and incorporate their recommendations into Government's spending plans.

53125th anniversary of Myeloma UK

Tabled: 3/11/22 Signatories: 19

Deidre Brock

Rachael Maskell

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Angus Brendan MacNeil

That this House extends its congratulations to Myeloma UK staff, volunteers and supporters as the organisation celebrates its 25th anniversary this year; recognises that over the last 25 years the charity has helped to transform lives through investing nearly £19 million into myeloma research; acknowledges that they have answered more than 60,000 calls via their free Infoline and have sent nearly two million publications to patients, families and health care professionals; notes that, when the charity started in 1997, average life expectancy for people diagnosed with myeloma was 12 to 24 months and that has now quadrupled to 4 to 8 years; further notes that, despite these incredible advances, myeloma has some of the longest times to diagnosis of any cancer, a median of 163 days from first symptom to diagnosis; calls on governments across the UK to ensure that future cancer strategies work for all cancer types including blood cancers such as myeloma; and wishes Myeloma UK the very best for the next 25 years and beyond.

532PEEK Project and small employer of the year award

Tabled: 3/11/22 Signatories: 7

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the victory of the PEEK Project in the Small Employer of the Year category in the Herald’s Top Employer Awards; notes that PEEK works to provide opportunities for children aged 0-18 and their families through play projects, creative arts projects, youth work, leadership, volunteering, peer training, education and internship projects across Glasgow; recognises that this great achievement is the result of PEEK’s hard work to improve their workplace policies in line with its value statement, which promotes compassion, dignity, excellence, integrity and respect for both service users and staff; congratulates them on this fantastic achievement; and wishes them the best of luck in all future endeavours.

533Glasgow Rens basketball team

Tabled: 3/11/22 Signatories: 8

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Glasgow Rens basketball team on their recent success in winning the 2022 Under 18s Scottish Cup; notes they competed in the tournament in April in Dundee and won 71 - 63 against Edinburgh Kings; understands that this was the first time in 16 years a Glasgow team has claimed the Under 18s Scottish Cup; notes that the final squad for the Scottish Cup contained players from many nationalities and from all over Glasgow; further notes the contribution of Ayman Kraria, who went on to compete in the Under 16s Great Britain national team, the only Scottish player to do so; and wishes all the players the very best in future tournaments.

534Royal Mail industrial dispute and the universal service obligation

Tabled: 3/11/22 Signatories: 43

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

Marsha De Cordova

Tony Lloyd

Kate Osborne

Dan Carden

That this House condemns the actions of Royal Mail which, it believes is threatening up to 10,000 job cuts from the postal service; notes that Royal Mail made £758 million in profit in the year to March 2022, but paid out most of that, around £567 million, to shareholders in dividends and a share buyback; further notes that Royal Mail reported record profits and is concerned of mismanagement of finances as they are now reporting that they are losing one million pounds a day; notes that Royal Mail imposed a 2 per cent pay award during a time of spiralling inflation and a cost of living crisis; considers that postal workers provide an important service to millions of people in every corner of the country and is an essential part of the UK’s national infrastructure; notes that Royal Mail’s business plan threatens the Universal Service Obligation set out in the Postal Services Act 2011; further considers that a cut to jobs will not only harm these workers but the communities that they serve including small business owners; considers that Royal Mail is abandoning mutually agreed plans for modernisation, choosing instead to pursue what it sees as an asset stripping agenda; further believes that this threatens the future of the company and is an unacceptable attack on the terms and conditions of postal workers; and calls on Royal Mail to negotiate a fair offer with the Communications Workers Union that values their service and hard work.

535Detention of Jagtar Singh Johal

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 33

Martin Docherty-Hughes

John Spellar

Allan Dorans

Jeremy Corbyn

Jim Shannon

Hannah Bardell

That this House notes that Friday 4 November 2022 marks the fifth anniversary of the arbitrary detention in India of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist from Dumbarton held since being abducted from the street during his honeymoon by unidentified assailants who turned out to be undercover police agents; further notes that while held incommunicado for 10 days by local Police, he alleges that he was tortured both physically and through electric shocks to his nipples and genitals, something which led him to signing a confession, a confession that has subsequently been used when filing charges against him; supports the ruling of the UN Working Group on arbitrary detention which in May gave its opinion that Jagtar’s detention was an arbitrary one; urges the Government to also support this opinion, and do what it can to achieve Jagtar’s immediate release; notes with dismay the revelations in the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office annual report in March 2020 that there may have been the involvement of UK intelligence services in sharing the information that led to Jagtar’s arrest; urges the Government to be open and transparent about which Ministers knew about this and when; and calls on them to suspend all work toward towards a Free Trade Agreement with the Republic of India as long as Jagtar remains arbitrarily detained.

536Young Movers Maryhill award winners 2022

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 2

Patrick Grady

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates all those involved in the Maryhill Young Movers, known as YoMo, Awards Night on 14 October 2022, which sought to recognise the achievements of young people from across the north of Glasgow in a range of youth empowerment activities and events over the previous year; notes that the awards included HiFive and Dynamic Youth Awards, which are accredited to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, as well as participation certificates for activities in a range of areas including cycling, litter picks, science, technology engineering and maths activities, beach-themed activities, arts and crafts, and visits to Glasgow’s Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Glasgow Green; further notes that four young people also achieved the Saltire Award, presented by the Scottish Government in recognition of their roles as volunteer leaders and role models for younger children involved in the programme; recognises the support for the awards and the ongoing programme provided by Maryhill Housing Association; and wishes all the YoMo staff, volunteers, and young participants, all the best for the coming year’s activities.

537Liver cancer

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 9

Sir George Howarth

Jonathan Edwards

Jeremy Corbyn

Allan Dorans

Wayne David

Amy Callaghan

That this House notes that liver cancer is one of the less survivable cancers with mortality rates rising by 40 per cent over the last decade; recognises that only 13 per cent of liver cancer patients survive for five years after diagnosis; further notes that the number of people dying from liver cancer is increasing the fastest out of the 20 most common forms of cancer; encourages the Government to commit to improving earlier diagnosis and outcomes for liver cancer and the less survivable cancers in the upcoming 10-Year Cancer Plan; supports the recent launch of Liver Cancer UK by the British Liver Trust; and welcomes the efforts of the Less Survivable Cancer Taskforce to close the deadly cancer gap.

538Carers Rights Day

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 5

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

That this House recognises Carers Rights Day on 24 November; recognises the valuable contribution unpaid carers make every day; commends Connecting Carers in the Highlands for their ongoing work in creating a better life for unpaid carers; acknowledges their commitment to ensuring unpaid carers are acknowledged and supported in their work; and encourages all carers to know their rights and make use of the support that is available to them.

539Inverness restaurant award

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Cinnamon on recently being awarded top place in the Highlands for Asian dinner; notes that the restaurant received their award at the sixth annual Asian Restaurant Awards held in Edinburgh; recognises that this much-loved restaurant has been enjoyed by visitors and locals alike for almost 20 years; and wishes them ongoing success for the future.

540Hydro Ness recognised for Renewable Success

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 5

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Hydro Ness, the Highland Council’s new renewable energy installation on their recent success at the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA 2022); notes that the Archimedes Screw installation on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness was named Small Project of the Year; recognises that the Hydro Ness uses the natural flow of the River Ness to generate electricity and incorporates a public viewing gallery and visitor attractions; further recognises that the power generated will supply the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre and provide approximately 50 per cent of its electricity needs each year; and commends the successful collaboration from all in achieving this project that will go some way in helping to achieve net zero ambitions.

541Kenny Nicol recognised at Top of the Shops awards

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Kenny Nicol on his recent success at the Top of the Shops awards; notes he was awarded Store Manager of the Year across Scotland and Northern England; and finally, recognises the ongoing hard work of Kenny at the Poundland Store in Inverness and his deserved success in achieving this award.

542Inverness City Centre BID Awards success

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 8

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Steven Bonnar

Douglas Chapman

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates Inverness-based businesses on their recent success at the Inverness City Centre BID Business Awards; notes that across 13 categories, 26 businesses were recognised as winners or highly commended for their hard work across the last year; and finally, wishes all businesses ongoing success going forward.

543Jenny-Rose Miller recognised for 30 years of service to Poppy Appeal

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 6

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Hannah Bardell

Patrick Grady

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Jenny Rose-Miller on her recent receipt of the President’s Award in recognition of her 30 years of service to the Poppy Appeal; recognises that Jenny is the convenor of the Nairn Earl Haig Fund coffee morning held annually at the Royal British Legion; acknowledges Jenny’s success in raising in excess of £20,000 for the Poppy Appeal across the last 30 years; and finally commends Jenny’s can-do attitude in the work she does for Nairn legion and the wider Nairnshire community.

544Anne McCreadie awarded Age Scotland's Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 4

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Anne McCreadie, chairperson of the Merkinch Community Centre in Inverness, for recently being awarded Age Scotland’s Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning and Influencing; recognises that Anne received her award at Age Scotland’s national awards ceremony in Glasgow; notes that Anne took over as chairperson for the Merkinch Community Centre in the 1990s and since then has created a centre with strong community spirit, helping tackle loneliness for regulars at the centre; and finally pays thanks to Anne for her many years of volunteering in the Inverness community.

545Highland Hospice celebrates 35 years

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 8

Drew Hendry

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Hannah Bardell

Steven Bonnar

Patrick Grady

That this House recognises the 35th anniversary of the Highland Hospice; commends them for the invaluable work they do in supporting people, their families and carers during some of the most difficult times of their lives; and pays thanks to all volunteers and staff who have fundraised, volunteered or worked for them over the years to ensure this work can continue.

546Sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 2

Daniel Kawczynski

Jim Shannon

That this House notes with growing and alarming concern the intention of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to enter into negotiations with Mauritius over the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory; further notes that these islands are closer to Maldives than to Mauritius and therefore questions the claims by Mauritius from a geographical perspective; moreover recognises the historical treaties which give this territory to Britain in perpetuity; strongly urges the Government to terminate these negotiations immediately and begin to explain to the UN that sovereignty is not open for negotiation; and condemns the Government of Mauritius for pursuing their illegitimate and pernicious claims on the British Indian Ocean Territory.

547Police officers' pay

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 7

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Kate Osborne

Ian Lavery

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the outstanding contributions made by police officers to the security and wellbeing of communities across the UK; and notes that the Police Federation of England and Wales is calling for the Government to urgently explain how more than a 25 per cent real-terms pay cut since 2010, which is set to increase further with rises in the cost of living and inflation, can be justified given the significant risks to life which police officers carry regularly when performing their vital day-to-day duties.

548Young people's experiences of food insecurity

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 7

Hywel Williams

Jonathan Edwards

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Douglas Chapman

Patrick Grady

That this House notes recent research carried out by Centrepoint into food insecurity experienced by young people; further notes with deep concern the findings which show that over a fifth of young people say they have missed work or education due to lack of food; highlights with alarm that nearly half of the general youth population in the UK say they have gone to bed hungry in the last 12 months; recognises that under-25s receive a lower benefit rate which makes it difficult to meet essential living and housing costs, particularly for young people without family support; further recognises that this policy makes it difficult for young people to move on from homelessness and puts them at risk of harm, exploitation and abuse; and supports Centrepoint’s recommendation that young people living independently without family support, including care leavers, should be able to claim the adult rate of the Universal Credit standard allowance to help them meet essential costs and avoid homelessness for good.

549Second anniversary of conflict in Tigray

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 10

Dame Angela Eagle

Jonathan Edwards

Jeremy Corbyn

Apsana Begum

Kim Johnson

Allan Dorans

That this House, recognising the achievement of a peace deal last week at the African Union peace talks, and congratulating all sides on the ceasefire agreement, deplores the widespread use of rape and use of violence against women and girls by all the belligerent parties, noting that Tigrayan women have been recognised by the UN to have been subjected to particular violence leaving an estimated 26,000 in need of services; regrets the loss of life of 500,000 civilians in Tigray, killed from violence and famine, the displacement of more than 1.6 million by this conflict, and the mass detention of many thousands; calls on the Government to (i) increase humanitarian aide when the 17-month humanitarian blockade on Tigray is lifted, (ii) provide assistance for the reconstruction of infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, destroyed during the war, (iii) support the establishment of an internationally recognised ceasefire monitoring mechanism, and (iv) press for full access to all parties and areas for the UN Human Rights Council’s Commission of International Experts on Ethiopia; notes the Government is hosting an important global conference on the use of sexual violence in conflict; and further calls on the Government to give an urgent priority to ending the use of such violence in Ethiopia.

550BBC local radio programming

Tabled: 7/11/22 Signatories: 30

Karl Turner

Sarah Olney

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Graham Stringer

Debbie Abrahams

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House condemns the proposed cuts to BBC local radio programming which will see programming shared between regions after 2pm and on weekends; applauds the role of BBC local radio stations in democratic accountability, combating isolation and responding to crises such as covid-19 and local emergencies; questions for what reason the BBC’s digital first strategy is at the expense of a vital part of local media infrastructure; notes with concern that staff whose jobs are at risk found out about the plans through the media; stands with members of the National Union of Journalists resisting the planned cuts; and urges the BBC to consult local radio listeners and licence fee payers before making permanent changes.