Contents

Published: Friday 10 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 9 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

949Standardised numbering system for food allergens at point of sale

Tabled: 9/03/23 Signatories: 1

Sir Mike Penning

That this House recognises the increasing importance of allergen information being available at the point of sale or supply of food; believes that customers in restaurants and takeaways should have allergen information before buying and not have to ask for it; recognises that the UK and EU require mandatory labelling of the same 14 allergens listed in Annex II of EU regulation 1169/2011 where they are numbered 1 to 14; and calls on the Government to, either independently or working with the EU, adopt a common system where menus indicate which allergens are present using a standardised numbering system 1 to 14 as used in that Annex to that regulation.

950Women’s drug and alcohol treatment

Tabled: 9/03/23 Signatories: 10

Rachael Maskell

Kim Johnson

Caroline Lucas

Liz Saville Roberts

Kate Hollern

Beth Winter

That this House is alarmed to see the rate of both drug-related and alcohol-related deaths among women increase; notes that women face stigma, shame and many initial challenges to accessing treatment services; further notes that women have separate and specific requirements within treatment, including the need for safe, women-only spaces; recognises that, in the past, drug and alcohol treatment services have not consistently been designed or adapted for women, often failing to cater for their distinctive needs; acknowledges the positive steps taken in recent years in appointing Dame Carol Black as independent advisor on drugs and Dame Lesley Regan as women’s health ambassador; applauds the efforts of the Women’s Treatment Working Group, comprising drug and alcohol treatment providers at Collective Voice, in working to ensure that women receive appropriate, bespoke and effective services; and calls on the Government and local authorities to adopt consistent policies and comprehensive provision to meet women’s drug and alcohol treatment needs.

951The Bridgetown Agenda for global development finance

Tabled: 9/03/23 Signatories: 1

Liam Byrne

That this House notes that extreme poverty has risen for the first time this century; highlights on current trends 3 billion people will still be living on less than $6.85 by 2030; further notes that 200 million children’s lives are threatened by malnourishment; fragility and violence is spreading; learning losses amongst children during Covid could reduce future worldwide earnings by $21 trillion; acknowledges that developing countries need $5.8-5.9 trillion before 2030 to meet their emission reduction targets; notes that the cost of climate finance for developing countries is substantially higher than in richer countries and total gross debt in developing countries has reached the highest level for 50 years; welcomes the recent surge in World Bank lending, the first wave of IMF Resilience and Growth Trust agreements and proposals tabled by the Prime Minister of Barbados to transform the scale of global development finance; and calls on the Government to substantially increase the on-lending of UK Special Drawing Rights via the IMF, to mobilise an alliance of nations to on-lend SDRs to multi-lateral development banks, to advocate for the G20 review of MDB Capital Adequacy Frameworks recommendations by allowing loans against shareholders callable capital, to mobilise support for an increase in subscribed capital for World Bank; to advocate for reform of the World Bank’s mission to include reference to sustainability and resilience, to explore proposals for a Global Resilience Trust seeded by Special Drawing Rights, to present to Parliament proposals to restructure unsustainable debt burdens of vulnerable countries and to take steps to return UK aid to 0.7% of GDP.

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: 42

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.

912Hunger in East Africa

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 16

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.

914Freedom of religion or belief in Iran

Tabled: 28/02/23 Signatories: 10

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.

923Litter on motorways

Tabled: 2/03/23 Signatories: 6

Sir Mike Penning

Rachael Maskell

Jonathan Edwards

Douglas Chapman

Richard Foord

Layla Moran

That this House deplores the huge amount of litter on motorways, access road, junctions and verges; notes that there is a crystal clear legal obligation on National Highways to ensure roads are kept clear of litter; and calls on National Highways to act on this obligation, use motorway gantries to promote anti-littering messaging, ensure staff and contractors remove signs, sandbags and cones following roadworks in a timely manner and ensure contracts include financial penalties for not doing so.

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

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 8

Apsana Begum

Jeremy Corbyn

Dan Carden

Ian Lavery

Jon Trickett

Hywel Williams

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: 41

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.

932Rail fare increases

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 9

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.

934Fairtrade Fortnight 2023

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 6

Geraint Davies

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Richard Foord

Mr Barry Sheerman

Seema Malhotra

That this House commemorates Fairtrade Fortnight 2023; recognises the focus for this year is the impact of the climate crisis on the future of foods, seeking to highlight the damaging effects on food production and farming as a result climate change; understands that producers in developing countries are often most affected by this crisis; notes the threat posed to some of our nation’s favourite and most beloved foods as a result; highlights the efforts of the Fairtrade Foundation to help secure a sustainable future for farmers around the world; and calls on the Government to do more to support fairtrade principles and further encourage consumers to choose fairtrade produce to help address this challenge.

935Price of first class stamp

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 5

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Greg Knight

Allan Dorans

Sir Mike Penning

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.

937Withdrawal from Falklands Agree to Disagree Pact

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

That this House notes the recent decision from the Argentine government to withdraw from the Agree to Disagree Pact; notes the withdrawal from this pact will call in to question fishing rights other economic policies; thanks the FCDO for the clear reiteration of the indisputable fact that the Falklands is British; asks the FCDO to begin the work to secure fishing rights for the Falkland Islanders; and calls upon Government to make abundantly clear that there will be no turning our backs on the British Falkland Islanders due to this latest example of bravado from Argentina.

941Care Quality Commission ratings

Tabled: 7/03/23 Signatories: 16

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.

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

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 2

Patricia Gibson

Douglas Chapman

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: 2

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

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: 2

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

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: 3

Wendy Chamberlain

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

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: 12

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: 7

Peter Grant

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Drew Hendry

Jim Shannon

Alan Brown

Douglas Chapman

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: 2

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

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.