Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Thursday 16 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Wednesday 15 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

966National Butcher Week

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the conclusion of National Butcher Week and a time to celebrate the wonderful work they do; further notes the craftsmanship and skill it takes to be a butcher, in that they must be able to tell a customer the full traceability of the meat, give assistance and tips on how to cook meat and advise what cuts suit for certain cooking methods; highlights their imperative role in local high streets, city centres and local economy and has for years remained one of the most populated trades for shoppers; further highlights this week as an opportunity to showcase the high-quality products and services that butchers offer, as well as to educate the public on the benefits of buying meat from local, independent butchers; expresses thanks to local butcheries for their dedication to local towns and encourages the public to always consider buying from locally sourced butchers.

967St. Albert's Primary 50 year anniversary

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of St. Albert's Primary in Pollokshields; understands that celebrations for the young people include an art installation and other activities; notes the fantastic work St. Albert's have done in tackling racism and prejudice through their We Can Be Heroes project, an award-winning series of vibrant short story collections written by pupils at the school; understands the project was undertaken to increase representation of children from diverse backgrounds in Scotland; particularly appreciates the effort and tireless support for students that teachers Shirley-Anne Brightman and Clare Harker have contributed in recent times; wishes them every success in the future.

968Renfrew Bascule Bridge Centenary

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Gavin Newlands

That this House notes the 100th anniversary of the completion of the White Cart Bascule Bridge, inaugurated on Wednesday 21 March 1923 in front of a 6,000-strong crowd; recognises its essential role when built in continuing to provide a strategic transport asset while allowing the river to continue to be used by industry; acknowledges its continued use to this day, opening to allow cargo to and from the nearby Doosan Babcock manufacturing facility upstream on the White Cart; celebrates its listed Category A status as a structure of significant importance to our industrial and cultural heritage; notes its construction by Sir William Arrol and Co., also responsible for the Forth Bridge, Tay Bridge, Humber Bridge and the Severn Bridge amongst many others; and looks forward to its continued role as a key part of Renfrewshire’s transport infrastructure and industrial heritage.

96980th anniversary of HMS Dasher's sinking

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House commemorates the 80th anniversary of the aircraft carrier HMS Dasher's sinking; understands that on 27 March 1943, HMS Dasher suffered an internal explosion whilst sailing between Arran and Ardrossan, causing the vessel to sink with the tragic loss of 379 of her 528 crewmen; recognises that despite rapid response from ships and rescue teams at Brodick, Lamlash, Ardrossan and Greenock, the death toll was amongst the highest of any sinking in British waters; is aware that the wreck is an official War Grave, designated as a controlled site under the Protection of the Military Remains Act; and notes the memorials erected in Ardrossan and Scapa Flow which pay tribute to those who died.

97090th anniversary of the first air service from Renfrew Airport

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Gavin Newlands

That this House notes the 90th anniversary of the first sustained scheduled passenger flight out of Renfrew Airport, which departed on 27 April 1933 for Campbeltown in Kintyre; commends the role the former Renfrew Airport played in the development of aviation in Scotland and in particular the links it provided between the west of mainland Scotland and island communities; further notes that the airport served Scotland for 33 years until its closure in 1966 to be replaced by the current Glasgow Airport just two miles away at Abbotsinch, Paisley; acknowledges that thousands of commuters drive over Renfrew’s runway every day as part of the M8 motorway; notes the continued presence of the Flying Scotsman public house on the former airport site, the last remaining trace of the airport’s existence; and looks forward to Glasgow Airport continuing to serve the people of Scotland as the country’s premier airport.

971Impact of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Patrick Grady

That this House expresses its sadness at the loss of over 200 lives in Malawi and Mozambique following the landfall of Cyclone Freddy in those countries since 13 March 2023; notes that the cyclone has re-intensified at least seven times after initially weakening, and has become one of the longest-lasting tropical cyclones on record; further notes that the widespread devastation caused by the storm has led to the destruction of homes, businesses, roads, agricultural land and other infrastructure, and exacerbated existing challenges in the region including an ongoing outbreak of cholera in Malawi; notes concerns that the increasing intensity of such storms is an impact of fossil-fuel driven climate change; calls on the Government and governments and multilateral institutions around the world to provide an effective humanitarian response to this disaster and redouble efforts to tackle the causes and effects of climate change; and sends its sympathy and condolences to all those who have lost loved ones or found themselves displaced as a result of the cyclone.

972Heritage railways

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House notes the value of the UK’s 173 heritage railways to the economy, tourism and wellbeing; congratulates those recognised by the Heritage Railway Association for excellence in a range of achievements; further notes that from a shortlist of 40 railways, 12 railways won awards that varied from locomotive restoration to those for marketing and communications, environmental innovation, for rising stars and particularly for young volunteers on whom the future of the sector depends; and underlines that after the difficulties of the last three years these achievements are particularly worthy of recognition.

973Nadia Majid: Brain Tumour Research fundraising

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Ms Anum Qaisar

That this House recognises Nadia Majid and her son Rayhan who passed away four months after his brain tumour diagnosis aged four years old; congratulates Nadia on completing 10,000 steps per day in February to increase awareness for Brain Tumour Research; commends her for raising over £10,000 to support those suffering from the devastating impacts of a brain tumour diagnosis; notes the vital work of Brain Tumour Research in helping to combat the disease; acknowledges Nadia’s longstanding commitment to campaigning in memory of Rayhan; and hopes that Rayhan’s legacy will go on to inspire others to join the fight against brain tumour disease.

974Ben Weber South Pole expedition

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Ben Weber on his achievement of completing a solo journey to the South Pole; notes that he covered 700 miles to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of his late mother; recognises the courage and determination required to complete such a journey; further recognises the enormous impact of cancer on individuals and their families and expresses condolences to those who have lost loved ones to this disease; and applauds Ben's spirit of adventure, perseverance and compassion.

975Donald Wilson retirement

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 1

Drew Hendry

That this House congratulates Donald Wilson on his achievement of winning the Barron Trophy, celebrating lifetime achievement in journalism; recognises that Donald recently retired after an illustrious career spanning 51 years in journalism; commends Donald for his contributions to the Highland journalism industry; and wishes Donald a happy retirement.

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.

917Tribute to John Motson OBE

Tabled: 1/03/23 Signatories: 6

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Carla Lockhart

Christine Jardine

Alison Thewliss

That this House pays tribute to the late John Motson OBE, celebrated football commentator, until recently a long-time resident of Hemel Hempstead constituency, who sadly passed away at the age of 77; recognises his 50-year career at the BBC and that his commentaries for BBC Sport achieved iconic status and that he was one of the most recognisable voices in UK football for a whole generation; and sends condolences to his wife Ann, family and friends and mourns the passing of a football legend and a gentleman.

918Mongoose Plastics Ltd, Glenrothes 40th anniversary

Tabled: 1/03/23 Signatories: 6

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Margaret Ferrier

Alison Thewliss

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: 8

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: 31

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: 7

Jamie Stone

Wendy Chamberlain

Patrick Grady

Douglas Chapman

Christine Jardine

Margaret Ferrier

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.

923Litter on motorways

Tabled: 2/03/23 Signatories: 10

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.

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

Tabled: 2/03/23 Signatories: 4

Amy Callaghan

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

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.

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

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 13

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: 67

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.

929The Twa Dugs Campaign for Real Ale award

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

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: 5

Alan Brown

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

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: 13

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.

934Fairtrade Fortnight 2023

Tabled: 6/03/23 Signatories: 12

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: 10

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Sir Greg Knight

Allan Dorans

Sir Mike Penning

John McDonnell

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: 5

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

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: 7

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Stephen Farry

Paul Girvan

Margaret Ferrier

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: 16

Emma Hardy

Colum Eastwood

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Kim Johnson

Karl Turner

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.

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

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 5

Patricia Gibson

Douglas Chapman

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Alison Thewliss

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.

945Fife Whisky Festival and Support for artisanal spirit makers

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 7

Wendy Chamberlain

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Margaret Ferrier

Christine Jardine

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.

948PANS PANDAS UK Working Group Statement, 24 February 2023

Tabled: 8/03/23 Signatories: 6

Wendy Chamberlain

Jim Shannon

John McDonnell

Rachael Maskell

Tim Farron

Alison Thewliss

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.

952Friends 4u Group: National Lottery community funding

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 4

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates the Friends 4u Group, based in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, on receiving a grant of £3,900 from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that this funding will be used to make improvements to a garden used by adults with learning disabilities from all over North Lanarkshire; notes that the Friends 4u Group was set up and is run by volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring its users have a safe space to enjoy a range of activities; and acknowledges the positive impact this has on users and their carers.

953North Lanarkshire Disability Forum: National Lottery community funding

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 4

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

That this House congratulates North Lanarkshire Disability Forum, based in Motherwell and Wishaw constituency, on receiving a grant of £34,190 from the National Lottery Community Fund; understands that this funding will be used to deliver their cost of living support to aid people with a disability and, or, a long-term condition and their carers, so that they can stay financially independent; notes that North Lanarkshire Disability Forum provides a vital service for disabled people through their PATH project, which helps service users remain informed of their choices; and wishes North Lanarkshire Disability Forum the best with all its future endeavours.

954P&O Ferries one year on

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 18

Karl Turner

Grahame Morris

John McDonnell

Ian Mearns

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Gavin Newlands

That this House is concerned that no sanctions have been imposed on P&O Ferries, DP World or flag states for the openly unlawful dismissal of 786 directly employed UK seafarers on 17 March 2022; is alarmed that despite the Government’s announcement of its Nine Point Plan on P&O Ferries on 30 March 2022, P&O Ferries’ agency crews are still being paid as low as £3.96 per hour and work unsafe roster patterns of up to 17 weeks at sea; is also concerned that the Insolvency Service decided, without conducting a public interest test, not to prosecute P&O Ferries for criminal offences; notes that a Seafarers Charter based on collectively bargained terms and conditions still has not been agreed; supports the RMT and Nautilus International’s call for mandatory sectoral bargaining through fair pay agreements in the ferry industry, prohibition of seafarer discrimination, stronger trade union and employment rights, excluding DP World from Freeport tax reliefs and revoking P&O Ferries' Royal Charter; and calls on the Government to work with the maritime unions in adopting these measures as part of a new deal for UK seafarers.

955BBC impartiality

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 10

Karl Turner

Daisy Cooper

Kate Osborne

Kenny MacAskill

Stewart Hosie

Tommy Sheppard

That this House notes with deep concern the recent saga at the BBC surrounding Match of the Day host Gary Lineker and the lack of appropriate leadership from Richard Sharp, chair of the BBC; believes that this matter highlights a serious failure in implementing proper, politically impartial leadership at the BBC, which has put its reputation as one of Britain's most trusted institutions in question; and calls for the immediate resignation of Richard Sharp.

956Winston's Wish

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 18

Christine Jardine

Tim Farron

Stewart Hosie

Jamie Stone

Jim Shannon

Helen Morgan

That this House notes the work of the childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish; congratulates the charity on reaching its 30th anniversary in 2022; notes that they supported over 30,000 children in 2022; further notes with concern the lack of automatic support available for bereaved children upon the death of a parent; also notes with concern that there is no official data available for the number of children in need of support; applauds the wide range of services they provide for bereaved children including support groups, hotlines, online chats and email support; wishes Winston’s Wish every success for 2023; and urges the Government to introduce a new register of bereaved children to ensure no child is alone when they lose a parent or guardian.

958Endometriosis Awareness Month 2023

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 11

Jim Shannon

Paul Girvan

Tim Farron

Carla Lockhart

Stewart Hosie

Christine Jardine

That this House celebrates the work of Endometriosis UK in spreading awareness of the impacts of living with endometriosis; notes that endometriosis impacts over 1.5 million people in the UK, accounting for 10 to 15 per cent of reproductive women; further notes that it currently takes an average of eight years to be diagnosed, a statistic that hasn't decreased in over a decade and that the number of women in Northern Ireland waiting for a gynaecology outpatient appointment has more than doubled in seven years, with 28,511 patients waiting as of September 2021 and over 10,000 waiting for more than 52 weeks; highlights that there is no known cause for endometriosis and nearly all women surveyed stated it had affected their mental health, career, relationships and education; further highlights that this has a direct impact on women's fertility and around half of women stated the impacts of this had led to suicidal thoughts; sincerely thanks Endometriosis UK and other charities who do their best to raise awareness on this issue on a daily basis; and urges the Government to allocate ringfenced funding to NHS research to enable those suffering with endometriosis to have access to the help and treatment they deserve.

959Social care staffing and a national care service

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 19

Margaret Greenwood

Grahame Morris

Mick Whitley

Charlotte Nichols

Mohammad Yasin

Tony Lloyd

That this House expresses concern that there are around 165,000 vacancies in social care in England and that, as of 2020-21, the average hourly pay in independent care homes in England was just £9.01; is further concerned about separate reports that England is projected to need close to 500,000 more care staff by the middle of the next decade; believes that the Government has no credible plan to address the shortage of staff in the social care sector; recognises the impact that chronic staffing shortages in the social care sector can have on unpaid carers, with many forced to give up their careers to look after a loved one; further recognises that many unpaid carers are struggling financially as a result of their caring role, with an increasing number unable to afford their utility bills; calls on the Government to work with stakeholders, including unpaid carers and other people with lived experience, to bring forward plans for a national care service ensuring that care is delivered for people, not for profit.

960Lisa Sultana

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 5

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Law

That this House congratulates Lisa Sultana for her fundraising successes in Strathaven; recognises her creative and determined efforts in setting up a Facebook group and raffling prizes to raise money for charity, especially for food banks; notes how this not only encouraged the local community in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, but also raised over £20,000; applauds the wider community for their generous giving of money, gifts and daily essentials; commends the further contribution made by Lisa's outstanding efforts to install the first book vending machine in Scotland; recognises that it is estimated that 560 books that will be handed out to school children as a result of this work; and wishes Lisa the very best in her future endeavours and wider ambition for every learning establishment in deprived areas in Scotland to be given a book vending machine.

961Menzieshill House Generations Working Together Excellence Awards

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 5

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the staff, residents and volunteers at Dundee’s Menzieshill House on their award at the 2023 Generations Working Together Excellence Awards; recognises that Menzieshill House were Highly Commended in the 2023 Awards in recognition of their work towards tackling age discrimination; further recognises that this followed their Award as Highly Commended in the 2022 Awards in recognition of their work towards enabling inclusive communities; notes that since pandemic restrictions were lifted, Menzieshill House have worked incredibly hard to re-establish links to the local community, including with Tayview Primary School and Menzieshill Nursery, and that residents have greatly appreciated their visits from local nursery and school children; further notes that Menzieshill House supports local high school children working towards their SVQ 2 Award, bringing through and cultivating a new generation of dedicated carers; thanks all staff at Menzieshill House for their hard work to look after and care for vulnerable members of our local Dundee communities; and wishes all staff, residents, family members and volunteers all the best for the year ahead.

962St Francis Boxing Club 65th anniversary

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 6

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates St Francis Boxing Club on the occasion of its 65th Anniversary; notes that the club will celebrate its anniversary by hosting opposition from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland at the Lynch Centre in May; recognises that the 65th anniversary follows the sad passing of the club’s founder, Frank Hendry, in May last year; celebrates the importance of boxing in Dundee’s local communities; further celebrates the many historic contributions by members of St Francis Boxing Club to Dundee’s sporting history; and wishes all at St Francis Boxing Club all the best for the future.

963Ian Davis of Dunshalt, Fife

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 15

Wendy Chamberlain

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Liz Saville Roberts

Hannah Bardell

That this House records its great sadness at the sudden death of Ian Holland Davis from Dunshalt, Fife at the age of just 61 years; notes that Ian lost his entire life savings in the London Capital and Finance scandal and that he became increasingly frustrated at the difficulties he then encountered in attempting to ensure that those responsible for the fraud were fully brought to justice and that Government departments and regulatory agencies should be quicker and more open in acknowledging their own failings; places on record a deep concern that these experiences appear to have been significant factors in Ian’s tragic decision to end his own life; commends the dedicated work he carried out as a volunteer for the Transparency Task Force to try and make sure other investors were better protected than he was; further commends his courage in speaking publicly about how he became a victim of fraud; calls upon the Government to ensure that all agencies involved in the fight against fraud are properly resourced and held to account for their performance in protecting innocent people from fraud; and send its heartfelt condolences to Ian’s family and friends as they come to terms with their loss.

964An Irish Goodbye at the 95th Academy Awards

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 4

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House congratulates all those involved in An Irish Goodbye on their success in winning Best Live Action Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards; commends directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White for this remarkable achievement; and notes with acclaim the historic achievement of actor Jamie Moore on being the first person with Down's syndrome to win an Academy Award.

965Williamston Primary School's accreditation with the British Council International School Award

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 4

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

This House congratulates the recent accreditation with the British Council International School Award achieved by Williamston Primary School; applauds the staff and pupils at Williamston Primary School on their award being celebrated at the International School Award celebrations, in recognition of their hard work; notes the importance of the British Council’s International School award is a framework for schools to incorporate international elements to their curriculum teaching and preparing young people for work in a global economy by increasing their understanding of other cultures; thanks the staff at Williamston Primary School for all their hard work to achieve this accreditation within the local Livingston Community; and wishes the school all the best for the year ahead.