Contents

Published: Thursday 9 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 8 March 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

942National Fish and Chip Awards 2023 and The Fish Works, Largs

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House congratulates The Fish Works chip shop in Largs on securing its latest accolade of Best Quality Fish and Chips at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2023; commends The Fish Works for also being recognised as the third best fish and chip shop in Britain out of the approximately 11,000; acknowledges that The Fish Works is the only fish and chip shop in central Scotland to be nominated for this award this year; notes that this follows The Fish Works distinction of appearing in Fry Magazine’s Top 50 Takeaway awards 2022 for the third consecutive year; admires the continued hard work of owners Ross and Tiffany Irvin and their staff, whose passion and dedication have helped them achieve numerous accolades; appreciates their commitment to using sustainable, locally sourced and high-quality ingredients in their fresh seafood dinners, such as langoustines landed on Largs Pier by local fisherman; and understands why so many enjoy fish and chips at the Fish Works in Largs.

943City of Dunfermline driving test centre

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 1

Douglas Chapman

That this House acknowledges the contribution of the Vine Centre to Dunfermline and West Fife, as they facilitate driving tests at their premises for three days a week following DVSA closure of a full time Dunfermline driving test centre; further acknowledges the need for a full time driving test centre to be reinstated in the newly appointed City of Dunfermline with its mix of urban and rural environments and whose growing population is causing increased demand for local driving tests; expresses concern at delays in obtaining a test slot in Dunfermline due to the current three days a week availability, where such delay adversely affects both the livelihood of local driving instructors and impacts negatively on learner drivers forcing them to travel to Kirkcaldy or alternative centres to avoid undue delay in being tested and which disadvantages them in being tested in unfamiliar circumstances and adds time and costs to the test process; calls on the DVSA and the responsible Minister to meet with driving instructors association who operate in the City of Dunfermline to hear their serious concerns first hand and to offer solutions to ensure Dunfermline and West Fife learner drivers are not further disadvantaged.

944Social Prescribing Day

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House recognises Social Prescribing Day on 9 March 2023; acknowledges the positive impact social prescribing can have on people’s health and wellbeing; also recognises the role that it plays in improving outcomes for children, young people and families; notes that social prescribing can act as an early intervention to reduce pressure on clinical services and that access should be expanded for children and young people; and urges the Government to consider the evidence for social prescribing and take steps to improve access to these resources for children and young people.

945Fife Whisky Festival and Support for artisanal spirit makers

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House applauds the sixth Fife Whisky Festival which took place from 3rd to 5th March 2023 for its sell-out success; notes the value of the festival to the 35 participating distilleries and independent bottlers from across Scotland; endorses the importance of festivals like the Fife Whisky Festival for showcasing national and local produce; celebrates the opportunity to share Scotch Whisky with overseas visitors from countries from Europe to the USA; further notes the value of Scotch Whisky to the Scottish and UK-wide economies including exports in 2022 worth £6.2 billion; notes that 11,000 people are directly employed through the industry in Scotland, while 42,000 across the UK are in jobs supported by the industry; expresses concern at the challenges facing distilleries due to the energy crisis; expresses further concern at the threat to artisanal spirit makers from high spirit duties; and calls on the Government to introduce simplified and fairer alcohol duties and to further support hospitality and tourism industries.

946Peoples' Democratic Party in Turkey

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 9

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Kate Osamor

Olivia Blake

Nadia Whittome

John McDonnell

Andy McDonald

That this House expresses concern over the court case against the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) in Turkey which could result in its closure; notes this would be in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and prevent a democratically elected party from participating in politics; calls on the international community to show support for the HDP; urges the Government to condemn the closure case and support human rights and the rule of law in Turkey; and stands in support with the HDP and all those who advocate for democracy, human rights and pluralism in Turkey.

947Methilhill Community Children's Initiative

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 2

Peter Grant

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House sends its warmest congratulations to Methilhill Community Children’s Initiative (MCCI) on the occasion of its tenth anniversary; recalls that MCCI was established with the aim of providing opportunities for both formal and informal outdoor learning for young people living in one of the most deprived areas in Scotland; congratulates all those currently or previously involved with the charity on their outstanding success in delivering this objective; recognises the Methilhill Community Learning Garden as an iconic location in Methilhill, providing a safe and supportive environment for children of all ages; notes in particular the sense of achievement and increased self confidence seen in so many children and parents who visit the garden regularly; records its thanks to all of the volunteers, Trustees, Directors, staff, parents and funders who have contributed to the organisation’s success; and expresses the hope that the Methilhill Community Garden will remain a special and magical place for many years.

948PANS PANDAS UK Working Group Statement, 24 February 2023

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House notes the statement dated 24 February 2023 from the PANS PANDAS Working Group aiming at improving standards of care for patients with symptoms of Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS); recognises that the working group included representatives of the British Paediatric Neurology Association, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal College of Nursing, the Royal College of Occupational Therapy, the British Paediatric Allergy Infection and Immunology Group, independent social workers and parents of PANS or PANDAS patients, as well as being supported by NHS England; further notes the recommendation to follow existing international peer-reviewed and published treatment guidelines including considering initial antibiotic treatment; expresses concern that knowledge of these conditions and appropriate treatment is low among medical professional in the UK; further expresses concern that the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision by the World Health Organisation which recognises PANS PANDAS has not yet been implemented in the UK; and calls on the Government to endorse the PANS PANDAS Working Group guidance, to provide associated diagnostic and treatment guidance to medical professionals, and to publish a timeline for the implementation of WHO ICD-11.

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.

893VAT on audiobooks

Tabled: 23/02/23 Signatories: 40

Sir Mike Penning

Dr Philippa Whitford

Margaret Ferrier

Allan Dorans

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Deidre Brock

That this House recognises that audio books, now popular and widely available across all genres; from business to academic, from historical to self help, are a lifeline for many people with sight loss, visual impairment, dyslexia or other reading disabilities; agrees that audio books offer unique opportunities for visually-impaired and dyslexic people to improve their education on a par with their peers; recognises that audio books enable visually-impaired and dyslexic people to continue working independently for longer and thereby contribute to the economy for longer; recognises that audio books open up a world of information, literature and poetry to visually-impaired and dyslexic people; welcomes the zero-rate VAT for e-books but also recognises that e-books, when read aloud by automated text-to-speech, are difficult to listen to for long periods, lack intonation, may mispronounce names and places, can often read out every bracket and notation, making it difficult to comprehend or recall meaning; notes that other European countries have recently reduced their rates of VAT on audiobooks, including Norway to zero; and calls for equal VAT-status to be applied to audio books as already exists for e-books and physical books.

895Henry Wuga's 99th birthday

Tabled: 23/02/23 Signatories: 13

Kirsten Oswald

Ms Anum Qaisar

Christine Jardine

Patricia Gibson

Amy Callaghan

Patrick Grady

That this House sends its very best wishes to Henry Wuga MBE on the occasion of his 99th birthday; notes that he was born Heinz Wuga in Nuremberg in 1924 and was sent to Glasgow on the Kindertransport in 1939 at the age of only 15; understands that he had a long and successful career in the catering business; appreciates that in 1999 he was awarded an MBE for his work with limbless ex-servicemen; celebrates the magnificent contribution he has made to Holocaust Education in Scotland alongside his late wife Ingrid Wuga BEM, also a Kindertransport child; notes that thousands of children and young people have heard directly from Henry and Ingrid about their experiences of the Holocaust; further notes the profound impact this has had on so many people who have heard them; acknowledges the vital importance of testimony such as Henry’s in ensuring a clear appreciation of what happened during the Holocaust and why it must never happen again; thanks him for his continued and tireless efforts in this regard; notes that his contributions have made a significant difference to education in Scotland; and thanks him for his selfless work for others; and hopes that he has a wonderful birthday.

900World Book Day 2023

Tabled: 24/02/23 Signatories: 37

Valerie Vaz

Richard Foord

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jamie Stone

David Mundell

That this House supports World Book Day in its mission to promote reading for pleasure; commends tis success in distributing 50 million book tokens annually to children; with a further 101,000 books donated to children by publishers, the Arts Council and others; notes reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success; further notes with concern that reading for pleasure is at its lowest level since 2005, with fewer than one in two children and young people aged nine to 18 saying they enjoyed reading; recognises the importance of children from all backgrounds having the opportunity to choose and own a book; calls on all Members of the House to be reading champions for their constituencies; and warmly welcomes World Book Day's celebration in schools and homes across the United Kingdom on 2 March 2023.

905Formula One in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and human rights

Tabled: 27/02/23 Signatories: 21

Wendy Chamberlain

Richard Foord

Jamie Stone

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Tim Farron

Munira Wilson

That this House expresses grave concerns over the role of Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile in sportswashing the appalling human rights records of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia; notes that Saudi Arabia executed 81 prisoners in one day in 2022, while Bahrain imprisons its population at the highest rate of any country in the Middle East and North Africa region, with an estimated 1,300 political prisoners; condemns F1’s refusal to engage with key stakeholders including human rights groups, such as the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy when awarding Bahrain the longest contract in F1 history, breaching F1’s own policy; urges the Government to support an an independent and impartial inquiry to assess the implications of F1 races in human rights violation, the adequacy and effectiveness of F1’s current human rights policy, or lack thereof, and its implementation and their responses to evidence of serious human rights violations in F1 host countries; further urges the Government to support calls for the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile to adopt a human rights policy consistent with the UN’s Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights; further condemns the ongoing imprisonment of political leaders in F1 host nations including Bahrain; and calls on the Government to use all available leverage to make representations to Bahrain for them to immediately and unconditionally release political prisoners, including Hassan Mushaima, Dr Abdulajalil AlSingace, Sheikh Ali Salman, Abdulhali AlKhawaja, Ali AlHajee, Najee Fateel, Sayed Nizar Alwadaei and death row inmates Mohammed Ramadhan and Husain Moosa.

907Pakistan Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 7

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Rachael Maskell

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Patrick Grady

Ms Marie Rimmer

That this House notes with concern that the Pakistan National Assembly passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 on 17 January 2023; believes that this Bill will further restrict freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan and, if passed by the Senate, will further marginalise the already persecuted communities in Pakistan and will have serious implications on minority groups; condemns the Bill's targeting of Pakistan’s Shia community and overall impact for all minority faith groups; regrets that the Bill will pose further challenges to freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan, and yet serve to strengthen extremist groups and extremist ideology; and urges the Government to raise this pressing matter with their Pakistani counterparts and advocate for the rights of the persecuted communities in Pakistan.

912Hunger in East Africa

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 15

Layla Moran

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House is deeply concerned about the acute hunger crisis in the East Africa region; notes that despite 36.4 million people in the Horn of Africa region suffering with hunger, the Government has cut humanitarian aid to less than a fifth of what it was in the financial year of 2017-2018 in the region; condemns the Government’s decision to abandon the 0.7 per cent target for international development spending; calls on the Government to urgently reinstate the 0.7 per cent target, and to correspondingly increase vital support to people in the regions; and resolves to continue to hold the Government to account on its broken promise on international development spending.

913Scotland and fair trade

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 9

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Stewart Hosie

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House notes the 10th anniversary on 25 February 2023 of Scotland being recognised as a Fair Trade Nation; further notes that recognition of this status commits national and local governments, communities, organisations and individuals to work towards and achieve targets for the use and promotion of fair trade products, and the use where possible of fair trade principles in the development of procurement and purchasing policies, with the aim of ensuring that the producers of goods, such as small farmers or garment workers in developing countries, are paid a fair price for their products; congratulates the many charitable organisations, fair trade shops and community groups that have worked for many years to attain and sustain local and regional Fair Trade awards, which contribute to the award at a national level; welcomes the series of events and activities organised by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to mark the anniversary, and its commitment to continuing to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of fair trade to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people around the world and as a means of building economic partnerships that promote sustainability and tackle climate change; and wishes all those involved in the movement every success in working for the day when all trade is fair trade.

914Freedom of religion or belief in Iran

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 8

Alexander Stafford

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Rachael Maskell

Patrick Grady

Ms Marie Rimmer

That this House deplores the ongoing human rights violations being perpetrated by the Islamic Republic of Iran; notes that these violations come in a context of more general restrictions on the right to freedom of religion or belief for many religious minorities in Iran, including Christians and the Baha’i, and also Sufi and Sunni Muslims; mourns the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after her arrest for wearing the hijab "improperly" and her reported beating by members of the so-called morality police; considers the enforcement of religious dress codes for all Iranian women, regardless of their beliefs, to be a violation of the freedom of religion or belief of women from religious minorities in Iran, and also of Muslim women who do not wish to conform to mandatory hijab; highlights that these restrictions are in violation of Iran’s obligations as a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); urges the Government of Iran to amend its constitution and relevant legislation to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief for all Iranians, as envisaged by Article 18 of the ICCPR; and calls on the UK Government to continue to defend freedom of religion or belief, in its fullest meaning, and to support the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran and of the UN’s Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Human Rights in Iran.

915Claremont Rambling Club: 40th Anniversary

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 5

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Valerie Vaz

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Claremont Rambling Club in its 40th anniversary year; commemorates its founding members, Ann Stoddart and Cathy Kirk, who first put an advert looking for like-minded people to go rambling with in the local newspaper, East Kilbride News, in May 1983; notes the development of the club, its affiliation with the Ramblers Association, and the example it sets to other walking clubs subsequently set up in East Kilbride; recognises both the senior and junior members, with members up to 85 years-old; acknowledges the commendable and committed community spirit of the club, putting on regular activities that are considered a lifeline by many of the club’s older members; and congratulates Claremont Rambling Club for being awarded a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which will enable Claremont Rambling Club to continue to provide this valuable service to the community for years to come.

916The Miley: 30th anniversary

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the designation of The Miley in Lochee as a wildlife reserve; recognises the hard work and dedication of the group of volunteers from the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Angus and Dundee Branch who have helped transform the site over the last three decades; notes that The Miley has been turned from a mile-long stretch of disused railway into a beloved local attraction; further notes that to mark the event volunteers met with local school pupils from St Mary’s Primary School to plant bulbs and wildflower seeds; and wishes the team of volunteers who look after The Miley all the best for the future.

918Mongoose Plastics Ltd, Glenrothes 40th anniversary

Tabled: 1/03/23 Signatories: 4

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Mongoose Plastics Ltd of Glenrothes on their 40th anniversary; notes that the family-run business was established on 14 February 1983 by George Cameron and the late Adam Gordon; acknowledges that Mongoose Plastics Ltd has extensive experience in plastic fabrication for a range of markets from the electronics industry to medical and automotive companies; commends Mongoose Plastics Ltd on their work to incorporate recycled plastics into their processes; recognises the significant positive impact that small businesses such as Mongoose Plastics have on local communities and the local economy; and wishes Mongoose Plastics Ltd well for the future.

919Glenrothes Knitting and Crochet Club 10th anniversary

Tabled: 1/03/23 Signatories: 6

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Patrick Grady

Douglas Chapman

Chris Law

That this House congratulates the Glenrothes Knitting and Crochet Club on their 10th anniversary; notes that the club was founded by Jayne Murphy on 15 January 2013 at Christ Kirk, Pitcoudie, before outgrowing that location and moving to their current home at Edison House in Glenrothes in September 2013; commends the Glenrothes Knitting and Crochet Club on the donation of various knitted items to charity throughout the last decade; recognises that the club has donated items such as premature baby hats and baby blankets to the maternity unit at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy as well as contributing hats for the homeless to the YMCA in Glenrothes, taken part in the Big Knit for Age UK and knitted blankets for the Rosyth hedgehog hospital; and extends its thanks to the Glenrothes Knitting and Crochet Club for their good works and wishes them well for the next 10 years.

920BBC Local Radio services and industrial action

Tabled: 1/03/23 Signatories: 30

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Apsana Begum

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

That this House recognises the overwhelming mandate for industrial action secured by members of the National Union of Journalists at the BBC, following an industrial action ballot over the Corporation’s plan to cut local radio services in England; notes that the figures of 83 per cent voting for strike action on a turnout of 69 per cent demonstrate that BBC journalists have no confidence in management plans; understands that the resulting strike action will involve National Union of Journalists members working on BBC local radio, regional TV and online; supports the National Union of Journalists in suggesting that the BBC’s investment in digital services should not come at the expense of local radio and the communities it serves; and therefore calls on management to meaningfully engage over the plans and ensure that local radio services enjoyed by 5.7 million listeners every week are protected.

922Thistle Award to Glenmorangie House

Tabled: 2/03/23 Signatories: 5

Jamie Stone

Wendy Chamberlain

Patrick Grady

Douglas Chapman

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates The Glenmorangie Company Ltd on having Glenmorangie House recognised as the best luxury experience at the Thistle Awards and listed as one of the best UK country house hotels for 2023 in the Telegraph; notes the tremendous work of Glenmorangie House; commends the vital importance of businesses like The Glenmorangie Company to the Highland economy by employing over 25 per cent of employees in the Highlands and Islands; and hopes that Glenmorangie House continues to experience growth and success.

924Richard Foster, the new head of coaching at Motherwell F.C.

Tabled: 2/03/23 Signatories: 3

Amy Callaghan

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this house congratulates Richard Foster on his appointment as head of coaching for Motherwell Football Club; recognizes his accomplishments at his previous Scottish clubs and internationally; welcomes him back to Scottish football and into his new position at Motherwell; wishes him well in this role; and looks forward to seeing his future contributions to the club.

925Shawarma King in Glasgow

Tabled: 3/03/23 Signatories: 4

Alison Thewliss

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Shawarma King in Glasgow on winning the Best in Scotland title at the British Kebab Awards; understands this is the second year in a row the team have brought this coveted award home to Scotland; notes the popularity of the shop, with large queues frequently spotted outside; understands that other Scots takeaways nominated for the award included 5 in 1 in Montrose, Dante’s Fish Chips & Kebab in Dumfries, Kurdish Best Kebab House in Edinburgh, and Mr Chef in Uddingston; notes that the awards recognise and champion the efforts of local kebab takeaways and restaurants across the nation; appreciates the achievement of Shawarma King in winning this award twice; and wishes them every success in future endeavours.

926Treatment of drivers of app-based delivery companies and the Justice4Mohammed campaign

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 5

Apsana Begum

Jeremy Corbyn

Dan Carden

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

That this House notes with concern that on 23 February, a Deliveroo driver, named Mohammed, was stepped over by a customer complaining about their order, even though he had collapsed, and is reported to have waited for an ambulance for more than an hour; notes that Mohamed’s story speaks to a wider injustice regarding the treatment of drivers of app-based delivery companies; believes that it is unacceptable that drivers continue to find themselves precarious and unsafe at work and invariably forced to survive on poverty wages, working longer and longer hours just to make the rent and keep food on the table; notes that throughout the pandemic, drivers provided essential services on the frontline at significant risk to themselves and their families; and calls on the Government to strengthen workplace and trade union rights, particularly as they related to the gig economy, so that drivers are fairly paid for their work and work in safe conditions.

927The Loan Charge

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 38

Karl Turner

Sammy Wilson

Dr Lisa Cameron

Sir Desmond Swayne

Allan Dorans

Sir Julian Lewis

That this House is concerned that suicides have been linked to the Loan Charge and that despite the Morse Review, thousands face unaffordable demands, with the risk of further suicides; notes that most people facing action were mis-sold schemes and that HMRC are demanding scheme users repay disputed tax; further notes that HMRC have not requested action from people who recommended, promoted, operated the schemes; recognises that section 44 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 deems agency workers to be taxable as employees of agencies; believes that HMRC should have collected tax from agencies; criticises HMRC for transferring the liability to individuals alone despite its own historic failures; further recognises that HMRC are pursuing open enquiries for schemes before 2011 despite the Morse Review conclusion the law was unclear; calls on the Government to work with all parties to find a fair resolution; believes that a full independent investigation into the Loan Charge, including the conduct of HMRC is required; and further believes that taxpayer rights must be enshrined in law and enquiries closed after four years if HMRC fail to act.

928Streetwise Fighters Martial Arts School

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 3

Dan Carden

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

That this House congratulates Streetwise Fighters Martial Arts School in Fazakerley, Liverpool, for their outstanding performance at the 2022 WKKC World Championships in Killarney, Ireland; further congratulates competitors who returned with four world championship titles, six silver and nine bronze medals; applauds the dedication, hard work, skill and success of the squad; recognises the inspiring leadership of head coach Richie Lunt and all of his staff; commends them for the great work they do in building the skills and confidence of young people in Walton through martial arts; and wishes the team every success in their fundraising efforts for the 2023 Championships in Orlando.

929The Twa Dugs Campaign for Real Ale award

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 5

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates The Twa Dugs in West Kilbride on being named North Ayrshire’s best hostelry by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for four years running; notes that the public house has also been awarded a place in CAMRA’s best-selling UK Good Beer Guide for four years alongside countless other well renowned pubs across the UK; further notes that CAMRA is considered one of the most successful consumer organisations across Europe, advocating for, and promoting, the social and cultural significance of pubs throughout the UK; values the commitment of The Twa Dugs in providing the highest standard of service for its patrons, which it has consistently maintained over the years; acknowledges the efforts of The Twa Dugs to bring members of the local community together, evidenced by the array of social events and activities it hosts including an ale festival last year; recognises the vital role that pubs play in our community and social infrastructure; and thanks manager Debbie Riddex and all the staff at The Twa Dugs for their ongoing service to the people of West Kilbride and North Ayrshire.

930A Scents of Scotland gift shop, Kilmarnock

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 4

Alan Brown

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates A Scents of Scotland, a small independent gift shop located in Bellfield, Kilmarnock, on winning Scotland's Gift Shop of the Year title for the second year running in the Prestige Awards; recognises the hard work and dedication of owner Stuart Nairn, who started his business from his home 10 years ago before opening a shop in the heart of his local community in 2014; notes that when he first opened the shop, he was told it would never last, yet through his determination, perseverance and passion A Scents of Scotland has gone from strength to strength; recognises the impressive range of handcrafted Celtic jewellery, luxury candles, fine soaps and unique pieces of the stunning Scottish Highlands offered by A Scents of Scotland; acknowledges the company's commitment to Scottish culture as an important aspect of its business model; appreciates the reach of A Scents of Scotland beyond its local community, as it ships products across the UK and internationally, with orders from Europe, the United States, Singapore, South Korea and Australia; and commends the family-run operation of A Scents of Scotland, with Stuart's sister Donna playing an integral role in its success.

931World Kidney Day 2023

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 8

Daisy Cooper

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Wendy Chamberlain

Tim Farron

That this House notes that World Kidney Day takes place on Thursday 9 March 2023; recognises that 3.5 million people in the UK are living with chronic kidney disease, with many facing significant unique pressures from the ongoing cost of living crisis, including greater energy consumption required to help manage their condition, transportation costs to hospital appointments, a special more costly diet to maintain their health and wellbeing and challenges in maintaining full-time employment; commends the important work charities, such as Kidney Care UK, have done to protect, support and advocate for kidney patients from all backgrounds throughout the cost of living crisis; and calls on the Government to provide additional support designed to protect chronic kidney disease patients from cost of living increases following the conclusion of existing measures in April 2023, and ensure that pressures unique to these patients do not continue to detrimentally impact on their health and wellbeing.

932Rail fare increases

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 6

Wera Hobhouse

Jonathan Edwards

Tim Farron

Richard Foord

Wendy Chamberlain

Christine Jardine

That this House deeply regrets the Government’s decision to increase rail fares by 5.9 per cent; notes with concern the cost of living for families and commuters; regrets the increase in train delays, cancellations and strikes which have occurred under this Government, including on-the-day train cancellations which have risen to their highest levels since records began; further regrets the lack of Government support to incentivise people to use public transport and improve public transport infrastructure; acknowledges with concern that rail fare increases could hinder the UK from achieving net-zero emissions; and calls on the Government to cancel the 5.9 per cent rail fare increase and freeze rail fares immediately to help families and commuters who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

933Blue Triangle Bonhill 20th anniversary

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House notes that Blue Triangle Bonhill is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its foundation; understands that the organisation works with homeless people and those affected by homelessness, providing person centred support and quality accommodation; believes that they provide an invaluable service to the local community; thanks them for their dedicated work over the last 20 years; and wishes them well for the next 20.

935Price of first class stamp

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Greg Knight

That this House expresses concern over the price hike in cost of stamps; notes that first class stamps are set to rise by 15 pence from 3 April meaning that there has been a 65 per cent increase within five years; highlights the pressure that this puts on businesses who still rely on the postal system; further notes that it adds to the burden of cost of living increases on our pensioners and low income families; and notes that pricing people out of using the postal system is not beneficial to retaining a thriving Royal Mail.

936West Dunbartonshire Kinship Carers

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 4

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That the House congratulates West Dunbartonshire Kinship Care who officially open their new space for kinship carers on 13 March 2023; understands that the space will be used to support children’s mental health and provide anxiety coaching whilst also giving kinship carers a place to be listened to and supported in a nice friendly welcoming environment; believes that Kinship Carers play a valuable and often unacknowledged role in our communities looking after children whose parents are not able to look after them; notes that West Dunbartonshire Kinship Care is now in their 12th year and thanks them for everything that they have done during this period and wishes them well for the next 12 years.

938K9 Search & Rescue

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 2

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the ongoing suffering of the people of Turkey and Syria as they continue to deal with the aftermath of devastation caused by the recent earthquake; commends all those organisations providing humanitarian support at this time of extreme need; thanks those such as K9 Search & Rescue from Northern Ireland who have travelled to the site of the earthquake to help find people buried alive in the rubble often in extremely hazardous environments; and pays tribute to the bravery of these volunteers, and the skill of their dogs, in providing this lifesaving support.

939Increases to registrants’ fees of the Health and Care Professions Council

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 4

Emma Hardy

Colum Eastwood

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House agrees that proposals to increase registrants’ fees of the Health and Care Professions Council by 20 per cent in July 2023 should be scrapped; notes that increasing registrant fees by this amount would add to the severe financial pressures amid a cost of living crisis, resulting in health and care staff struggling to pay these mandatory costs; further notes that the Health and Care Professions Council is independent of Government and is responsible for setting its registration fees policy and any changes must be ratified by Parliament; and calls on the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to intervene and protect registrants from this excessive hike in fees.

940Sir Christopher Wren

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 2

Sir Peter Bottomley

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises, on the 300th anniversary of his death, the life and achievements of Sir Christopher Wren, President of the Royal Society, including notably the design of over 50 churches in London, the Greenwich Hospital and the Wren Library, Trinity College, Cambridge; and agrees with his friend Robert Hooke that since the time of Archimedes there scarce ever met in one man in so great perfection such a mechanical hand and so philosophical mind.

941Care Quality Commission ratings

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 10

Margaret Greenwood

Dan Carden

Jon Trickett

Ms Marie Rimmer

Daisy Cooper

Wera Hobhouse

That this House acknowledges that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) states that a health and care service provider must display its CQC ratings on posters at its premises and on its website no later than 21 calendar days after the CQC has published them on its own website, even if the provider has submitted a request for a review of the ratings; notes that there are around one million people receiving domiciliary care in England, yet there is no requirement for providers of domiciliary care to inform the people who they care for about their CQC ratings other than by displaying their ratings online; believes that recipients of care in their own homes have the right to be directly informed about such ratings by providers; is concerned that the lack of such arrangements represents a failure to protect standards in domiciliary care and is an injustice to those who receive such services; calls on the Government to introduce requirements for providers of domiciliary care to inform the people in their care about their CQC ratings in a format that is accessible to the person in receipt of care, or their guardian, no later than 21 calendar days after the CQC has published them on its website, even if a provider has put in a request to review the ratings; and further calls on the Government to ensure that, where relevant, a person who has power of attorney over someone who receives domiciliary care receives such notification on their behalf.