Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Tuesday 31 January 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 30 January 2023

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

808Tanks and Military Aid for Ukraine

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Clive Lewis

That this House notes that 24 February marks the first anniversary of Russia launching an all-out invasion of Ukraine; applauds the Ukrainian people’s courageous resistance; welcomes the gifting of a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine and the transfer of Leopard 2 and M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine; recognises that increased assistance must be provided to help Ukraine successfully conclude the war, free their entire country, and secure a just peace; condemns the fact that 1,105 vehicles were disposed of by the MOD via sale/auction in 2022 for financial gain; calls for all such equipment to be offered to Ukraine; notes that the Challenger 3 programme will upgrade at least 148 of the existing Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, and calls for the urgent gifting of 79 CR2 tanks to Ukraine; notes that the 170 CVR(T) Scimitar vehicles go out of service this year, and calls for their gifting to Ukraine; notes with the arrival of 623 Boxer vehicles that the Warrior Vehicle is being retired, and calls for all Warriors to be gifted to Ukraine; notes that only four Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft will be retained until 2027, and calls for the gifting of the remaining Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft to Ukraine; calls for those of the current fleet of 60 Chinooks due for retirement be gifted to Ukraine; and calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to commit to the above aid being provided urgently with necessary training and ammunition, and for delivery no later than Spring 2023.

809Epilepsy Scotland survey launch

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House values the work of Epilepsy Scotland and welcomes the support the organisation gives those with the condition across Scotland; further welcomes the following areas of specific support available from dedicated staff for those in need of help and advice including their Helpline and Check-In Service, Youth Service, Well-being Service and Welfare Rights; supports their newly launched survey on the link between mental health issues and epilepsy; and encourages those with the condition to complete the survey and have their voices heard.

810Sylvia Russell

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Sylvia Russell from Lanark who was one of 350 people chosen to receive a rowan tree from the Tree of Trees sculpture created for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee; thanks her for all the hard work and dedication she has shown for the town and community in Lanark; praises her for her work as chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust; notes her many achievements with LCDT including the installation of the Clydesdale horse sculpture in Lanark to commemorate the town’s equine history and the development of Castlebank Park; and further thanks Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, for her time and effort in deliberating and choosing a worthy cause for this honour.

811Drive-through road side pollution

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Barry Sheerman

That this House recognises that poor air quality is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time; has considered the research conducted by the BBC and Dr Anita Chinnaswamy which discovered that levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter were peaking at many times the UK legal air quality limits for emissions within the drive-throughs of select major fast food outlets; is concerned about the severe health impacts that air pollution can have on those individuals who suffer from prolonged exposure, such as employees and local residents; deeply regrets the link between instances of high road air pollution and deprivation in our country; and calls upon the Government to prioritise enforcement of the law and the fast-food industry to implement innovative solutions to reduce exposure to road air pollution caused by idling vehicles in drive-throughs in the quickest way possible.

812RSPB Garden Birdwatch 2023

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' annual Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, taking place from 27 to 29 January 2023; highlights their efforts to preserve and protect the red list of birds who are most at risk and underlines that sadly the UK has lost 38 million birds over the last 50 years; urges constituents to be aware of the RSPB's important aim of learning about nature and wildlife and further notes how much of a success the Big Garden Birdwatch is; further highlights how our education sector can get involved as the RSPB launch their Big Schools Birdwatch 2023 and partake in virtual events which teach children the importance of food chains and beak adaptions; and thanks the RSPB for all their dedication in getting as many people involved as possible and celebrates their success in birdwatching thus far.

813Support for the hospice sector

Tabled: 30/01/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House applauds the excellent end of life care and support provided by hospices across the UK to 300,000 people and their families every year; is concerned by the financial strain placed upon hospices due to the soaring costs of energy which places around £100m of additional costs a year; appreciates the significant impact the cost of living crisis is having on the hospice sector’s fundraising which accounts for two thirds of adult’s hospice income and four fifths of children’s hospice income; values the critical role the hospice sector has within the UK’s health and care system; understands that the work of hospices relieve pressure on the NHS; is mindful that simply reducing energy consumption is not a viable option for hospices which need to keep medical machines running and inpatient units warm for those in their care; further understands that increased running costs cannot be passed on to service users as they would in the business sector; and urgently calls for additional support with energy costs to be provided to the hospice sector which may otherwise struggle to continue with its valuable work to those requiring end of life care and their families.

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.

768Environment Agency workers industrial action

Tabled: 18/01/23 Signatories: 20

Olivia Blake

Apsana Begum

Nadia Whittome

Zarah Sultana

Jon Trickett

Mick Whitley

That this House fully supports the thousands of Environment Agency workers in their pay dispute, notes that they are engaged in the first strike action over pay to take place since the Environment Agency was established; further notes that while Environment Agency staff undertake vital work in responding to environmental incidents and emergencies including floods and major pollution events, these workers have seen the value of their pay eroded by over 20 percent since 2010; highlights that it wishes Environment Agency workers every success in their fight to secure a fair pay deal that reflects the vital work they do; and calls on Ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to urgently engage with Environment Agency trade unions to seek a resolution to this dispute.

771UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen

Tabled: 18/01/23 Signatories: 53

Kim Johnson

Caroline Lucas

Wera Hobhouse

Alison Thewliss

Layla Moran

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House notes with concern the ongoing devastation of the war on Yemen, which has repeatedly been named one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world since the Saudi-led Coalition first launched airstrikes in March 2015; further notes that the Government continues to allow arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and continues to provide logistical support to Saudi forces in Yemen despite overwhelming evidence of serious violations of international humanitarian law; reminds the Government that criteria 2(c) of the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria precludes licensing where there is a clear risk that items might be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law; notes with concern the failure of the warring parties to renew the first truce in six years, brokered by the UN, which was sustained for six months in 2022; calls on the Government to end all support for the war and suspend all arms sales to Saudi Arabia; and urges the Government to use all diplomatic means at its disposal, including the UK’s position as penholder on Yemen at the UN Security Council to support the role of the Yemeni people, including women and children, in building sustainable peace, to advocate for an end to the mahram male guardian requirement across governorates under Houthi control, and call for the creation of an independent, international accountability mechanism that would investigate, publicly report and pursue accountability for the most serious violations of international law committed in Yemen by all parties to the conflict.

786Farewell service for the Newton Mearns Synagogue

Tabled: 23/01/23 Signatories: 7

Kirsten Oswald

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Deidre Brock

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

That this House notes that there is to be a farewell service for the Newton Mearns Synagogue in the Synagogue at Larchfield Court, Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire on 22 January 2023; understands that this is a notable event, which will be marked by the attendance of Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis for this special service at the Synagogue; thanks all those whose hard work and dedication has been instrumental to the work of this Synagogue over the years; appreciates the very important place which this Synagogue has held at the heart of the local community and notes that there will be fondly held memories as farewells are said; understands that whilst the farewell service will represent the closing of one chapter, it heralds a new beginning too, with the merger of the Newton Mearns Synagogue and Giffnock Synagogue forming the new Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue; and wishes congregations of the Newton Mearns Synagogue and the newly formed Giffnock Newton Mearns Synagogue well for the future, playing a key role at the heart of the East Renfrewshire community.

788Daesh genocide against Yazidis, Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq

Tabled: 23/01/23 Signatories: 17

Kirsten Oswald

Brendan O'Hara

Drew Hendry

Ms Anum Qaisar

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this house urges the UK Government to formally recognise the Daesh atrocities against the Yazidis, Christians and other religious or belief minorities in Syria and Iraq as genocide; understands that it is the long-standing policy of the UK Government not to make determinations of genocide but to leave it for competent courts; notes that on 30 November 2021 a criminal court in Frankfurt, Germany, convicted an Iraqi national for his involvement in genocide, crimes against humanity and other crimes; also notes that on 27 July 2022 the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg convicted German Daesh member Jalda A of aiding and abetting genocide as well as of crimes against humanity and war crimes for the enslavement and abuse of a young Yazidi woman; acknowledges that a criminal court is, in the view of the UK Government, a competent court to make determinations of genocide; and in light of the above renews calls to the UK Government to formally recognise the atrocities committed against the Yazidis, Christians and other religious or belief minorities in Syria and Iraq as genocide.

790Disappearance of migrant children from asylum hotels

Tabled: 23/01/23 Signatories: 53

Ms Diane Abbott

Jim Shannon

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Rebecca Long Bailey

Caroline Lucas

Jamie Stone

That this House notes concerning reports of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children disappearing from hotels; expresses concern for the welfare of these children; notes that several reports suggest that these children are being targeted and trafficked; further notes that in one example, 136 children went missing from one hotel in 18 months and that 79 of these children remain unaccounted for; and calls for the Home Office to immediately review safeguarding arrangements for asylum-seeking children in hotels.

795Ryan Cornelius and the UAE

Tabled: 24/01/23 Signatories: 11

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Daisy Cooper

This House notes with concern that Ryan Cornelius, a British citizen, remains imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates, notwithstanding a finding by the United Nations that he has been arbitrarily detained, and notwithstanding a finding by the United Nations that Mr Cornelius should be immediately released and provided with compensation and other reparations in accordance with international law; calls upon the UAE government to release Mr Cornelius in accordance with international law; calls upon the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to secure the release of Mr Cornelius; and asks the Foreign Secretary to raise this matter with his Emirati counterpart.

796Siobahn McKenzie International Fashion Awards

Tabled: 24/01/23 Signatories: 4

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Scottish fashion designer Siobahn McKenzie following her success in scooping three Gold medals at the International Design Awards in the following sectors (a) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Recycled / Sustainable Fashion, (b) Gold Winner in Fashion Design - Uniform Design and( c) Gold Winner in Textiles - Textile Design; recognises her stunning, innovative and unique designs for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and for her contribution to international fashion houses around the world; and welcomes these awards which will help grow her business further and encourage other Scottish designers and creators to adopt a sustainable and a Made in Scotland approach to develop this successful sector of the Scottish economy.

798The Climate Education Bill

Tabled: 24/01/23 Signatories: 13

Nadia Whittome

Clive Lewis

Caroline Lucas

Rebecca Long Bailey

Jeremy Corbyn

Claudia Webbe

That this House notes the IPPC's report released in February 2022 into the now irreversible impacts of climate change, the Government’s aim to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the necessity of teaching children about the climate and the world we will inhabit as we move through the 21st century; further notes that one survey found that 42% of pupils felt they had learned little or nothing about the environment at school; acknowledges that teaching about the climate, biodiversity, conservation, and our responsibilities to our environment requires improvement in our education system; understands the vital importance of climate education for our economy, our civil society, and people’s wellbeing in the coming years; and as such calls on the Government to support the Climate Education Bill, which will integrate teaching about climate change and sustainability throughout the curriculum in primary schools and secondary schools, and on vocational courses.

801The Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities Grant

Tabled: 25/01/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

That this House congratulates the recipients of The Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities Grant in South Lanarkshire; Chatty Crafters who are nurturing both creativity and conversation in the Cambuslang community, the Scottish National Memorial to David Livingstone Trust which is committed to the advancement of education, arts, heritage, culture and science, the Blantyre Old Parish Church of Scotland whose work promotes community, friendship and faith through learning, Supporting Our Community in Hamilton who aid those in their community who are struggling with mental ill-health, isolation and loneliness, Hyper Cyber Youth Project for its work in supporting and inspiring young people in Blantyre, Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre which hosts outreach programmes and provides support to those suffering financial hardship, and Stonelaw High Parent Council who are committed to enhancing the education and support received by Stonelaw High’s pupils; wishes all winners the very best in future voluntary work; and commends Asda for its investment in organisations that work tirelessly to the benefit of their wider communities.

802Darvel Football Club's Scottish Cup win

Tabled: 25/01/23 Signatories: 5

Alan Brown

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

This House congratulates Darvel FC on their fantastic football performance and Scottish Cup victory over Aberdeen FC on Monday 23rd of January; notes that this is regarded as the biggest Scottish Cup shock ever; recognises that Aberdeen were sitting in 5th place in the Scottish Premiership whilst Darvel play in the West of Scotland League, the 6th tier of Scottish football; notes that Darvel FC is a fantastic community club based in a village with a population of 4,000 whilst Aberdeen FC is based in a city of approximately 200,000 population; recognises that the players and staff of Darvel FC are part time compared to the full-time professionals of Aberdeen FC; commends Darvel FC on the ground improvements implemented before the match to increase the capacity of Recreation Park; notes that other infrastructure improvements include upgrading the facilities and changing rooms, a new grass pitch, floodlights, fencing and safety improvements demonstrating long-term planning from the committee; further notes the significant financial backing from President John Gall, the sponsorship of QTS as well as the dedication, commitment and managerial skills of Michael Kennedy; praises Darvel FC for dedicating the match to past President Peter Orr, a lifetime stalwart of the club and a club legend who sadly passed away in December 2022; wishes Darvel FC all the best in the next round of the Scottish Cup at home to Falkirk; and notes that ambitious clubs like Darvel FC should have greater opportunity for promotion and says "mon the Vale".

804Y Madryn, Chwilog, Countryside Alliance Awards best pub in Wales

Tabled: 26/01/23 Signatories: 2

Liz Saville Roberts

Jim Shannon

That this House warmly congratulates Tafarn Y Madryn Arms, Chwilog on their success at this year’s Wales Countryside Alliance Awards, securing first place in the Best Pub in Wales category; notes that the Madryn dates back to 1868 and was part of the Madryn Estate (Tudweiliog), owned by Sir Love Jones Parry; further notes that the arrival of the railway in Chwilog led to the building of the Madryn, creating a direct link between the train station and Porthdinllaen which at the time was a favoured site for a port between north Wales and Ireland; welcomes the fact that the Madryn Arms was bought and extensively refurbished in 2021 by five local friends, having been closed for several years, with a vision to transform the pub into a community hub, hosting local events and providing fresh, local food at their café and restaurant; and wishes the Madryn and its owners the very best as they represent Wales at the Countryside Alliance Awards UK finals in London in May.

805Private treatment at NHS hospitals

Tabled: 26/01/23 Signatories: 18

Margaret Greenwood

John McDonnell

Debbie Abrahams

Kate Osborne

Rebecca Long Bailey

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes that the Health and Social Care Act 2012 in effect allows NHS Foundation Trusts to earn 49 per cent of their income from treating private patients; acknowledges that, before it was amended during its passage through Parliament, it set no limit on private income, demonstrating that the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition Government had initially planned to enable NHS Foundation Trusts to earn as much of their income as they wanted from treating private patients; further notes that in 2011 the majority of NHS Foundation Trusts had private income caps of between 0.1 per cent and 2 per cent; is concerned by recent reports that NHS Trusts are promoting expensive private healthcare at their hospitals, offering patients the chance to jump NHS waiting lists; is further concerned that this will increase waiting times for NHS patients; believes that this is leading to a two-tier health system where people who have the means to pay can get treated more quickly, while NHS patients face longer waits, often in pain and discomfort; notes that this is not in the spirit in which the NHS was created; further notes that with waiting lists of over 7 million, there is no excess capacity in the NHS; recognises that the NHS is publicly owned and publicly funded and should remain a comprehensive and universal service, free at the point of use; and calls on the Government to put an end to NHS facilities being used to provide services to private patients.

806Nan McKay Hall 40th anniversary

Tabled: 26/01/23 Signatories: 4

Alison Thewliss

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Nan McKay Hall in Pollokshields on celebrating its 40th anniversary; understands that this community centre provides a wide range of services for the people of Pollokshields of all ages and backgrounds; notes regular events such as stained glass, beadwork, soup making, English as a second language, computing skills, yoga, chiropody and much more; especially notes the contribution of Bill Lawns in delivering the services at Nan McKay and his dedication to the community of Pollokshields; and wishes them every success in the future.

807Care-experience and protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010

Tabled: 26/01/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Stewart Hosie

Alison Thewliss

That this House recognises that the Equality Act 2010 currently protects people against discrimination for protected characteristics including age, race, gender and sexuality, but not care-experience; praises campaigns by organisations including Who Cares? Scotland and campaigners such as Terry Galloway, who have long lobbied for care-experience to be classed as a protected characteristic; notes that those who are care-experienced are more likely than the general population to face significant challenges in their life, such as mental health issues, barriers to further education, prison sentences and early mortality; further recognises that classifying care-experience as a protected characteristic would be, according to campaigners, the single biggest action taken to support those who are care-experienced; and calls on the Government to amend the Equality Act 2010 to include care-experience as a protected characteristic.