Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Wednesday 22 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 21 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

99040th anniversary of East Kilbride Credit Union

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House congratulates East Kilbride Credit Union on their 40th anniversary; commends their success in increasing accessible savings and credit facilities for people across East Kilbride; notes their expansion with a recent digital drive to improve inclusion and accessibility; recognises East Kilbride Credit Union’s ethos and dedication to serving the public, including those most vulnerable, thereby setting an example to other financial service providers; and wishes East Kilbride Credit Union every success for the future.

99150th anniversary of Ballywalter Girls Brigade

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ballywalter Girls Brigade; highlights its 50th year of service to the local community in the Ards Peninsula; notes the rural nature of the village of Ballywalter and surrounding areas and that the church gives the families of the peninsula a place to send their children closer to home for Girls Brigade; further highlights the demand, given the group has been running successfully for five decades and the connections and fun that this club provides for those children who may be socially isolated; further notes the outstanding work undertaken by the leaders of the local Girls Brigade groups; and thanks them for their dedication to giving children a safe haven to be themselves and grow with confidence and enthusiasm.

99250th anniversary of I Will Always Love You

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Dolly Parton's hit song I Will Always Love You; notes the sentiment behind this song and what it means to so many, including the wife of the hon. Member for Strangford; highlights the contribution this song and her music in general to the industry, especially in the late 1960s, early 1970s and over the last 50 years; further notes the large scale event held at the weekend in Dolly Parton's multi-million dollar theme park at Pigeon Forge in East Tennessee as part of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the song, that was written as a farewell to her business partner and mentor Peter Wagoner; and wishes Dolly continued success as she entertains and encourages so many through her music and inspirational character.

99320th anniversary of the Iraq war

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 20th anniversary of American missiles landing in Baghdad on the morning of 20 March 2003, which signalled the start of the US-led campaign to topple Saddam Hussein; notes the television address shortly after the bombings by President George Bush, vowing to disarm Iraq and free its people and the subsequent televised address by former Prime Minister Tony Blair confirming British troops were in action in Iraq to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction; highlights that the attack was ordered two hours after a final 48-hour deadline expired for Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq due to crimes against humanity related to the 1982 killing of 148 Iraqi Shi'a; further highlights and condemns the atrocities committed by Hussein and that these shall not be forgotten; and reaffirms our gratitude and support for our veterans who continue to live with the legacy of their service in their physical and mental health.

994Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 1

Carla Lockhart

That this House congratulates Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher on his recent admission to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem; recognises the contribution of Lieutenant Colonel Maher to a range of charitable organisations, including those focused on health and wellbeing; and thanks him for his service in a range of roles to deliver a better community for all.

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.

955BBC impartiality

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 19

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: 25

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.

957Leon's law campaign and mental health reform

Tabled: 13/03/23 Signatories: 8

Layla Moran

Tim Farron

Jim Shannon

Richard Foord

Christine Jardine

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House expresses both its condolences and celebration of the life of Leon Gledhill, who tragically died four years ago; recognises that Leon is missed by all and sends deepest condolences to his family and friends; expresses support for the tireless campaigning of his mother, Dianne Martin, who is raising awareness of the gaps in the mental health system that contributed to Leon’s death; calls on the Government to increase support for mental health services across the country; further calls on the Government to introduce a legislative backstop enabling certain third parties to refer people who were subject to orders under the Mental Health Act 1983 to adult mental health services on safeguarding grounds; believes that this change will stop people falling through gaps in the system, and make sure no other family has to experience what Leon’s family have; and calls on the Covernment to bring forward the Mental Health Bill with utmost urgency, to make the desperately needed reforms to mental health system.

963Ian Davis of Dunshalt, Fife

Tabled: 14/03/23 Signatories: 27

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.

973Nadia Majid: Brain Tumour Research fundraising

Tabled: 15/03/23 Signatories: 5

Ms Anum Qaisar

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Jon Trickett

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.

976Anniversary of 1989 Jonesborough shootings

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Bob Blackman

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes with sadness the Anniversary of the 1989 Jonesborough Ambush, where two Senior Royal Ulster Constabulary Officers, Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Superintendent Bob Buchanan, were shot dead in an ambush by the Provisional IRA outside the village of Jonesborough, County Armagh; further notes that the officers were returning from a cross-border security conference in Dundalk with senior Garda when Officer Buchanan's car was flagged down and fired upon by six IRA gunmen; highlights the abhorrence of this atrocity, as Officer Buchanan was killed outright, whilst Officer Breen, suffering gun shot wounds was forced to lie on the ground and shot in the back of the head after he had exited car; further highlights that they were the highest ranking RUC officers to be killed during the Troubles; expresses concern that nobody has been charged with killing the two officers; calls upon the Garda to disclose all information and aid in the investigation; and urges government to remember their duty to the RUC and the people of Northern Ireland and highlight that this ambush will never be forgotten and their sacrifice and service will be remembered.

977Taylor MacKenzie: Special Olympics World Games 2023

Tabled: 16/03/23 Signatories: 4

Chris Law

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

That this House congratulates Taylor MacKenzie on being the only Scottish swimmer to be chosen to compete at the 2023 Special Olympic World Games, and at 15 years of age, the youngest person to be selected for Great Britain's team to compete against teams from 190 countries; notes the huge obstacles she has overcome and the barriers she has smashed; sees her as an inspiration to anyone with autism and a sporting desire to succeed; recognises her parents for their unwavering commitment and dedication to Taylor’s training; and wishes Taylor the very best of luck at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games and all the best for the future.

979Ukrainian artists

Tabled: 17/03/23 Signatories: 7

Jamie Stone

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the important role artists from Ukraine have played in sustaining morale and winning international hearts and minds during the terrible year of Russian invasion; urges the Government to set up a fund to enable British arts organisations to continue this work by presenting Ukrainian artists, musicians, dancers and others; and encourages the Government to help artists from Ukraine collaborate with colleagues in the UK.

980WestFest

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 3

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the announcement of a new not-for-profit community and cultural festival, WestFest, which will take place in the West End of Glasgow during June 2023; notes that the proposals set out to deliver a programme of free, accessible cultural events and activities across the local area, and looks to build on the successes of the West End Festival which had taken place in the community over the past 25 years; hope that the events will provide an opportunity for community groups, businesses, artists and residents to create vibrant, quality and inclusive activities that will be open to all to enjoy; and looks forward to this year’s programme being the first of many for years to come.

981Ministry of Defence staff pay

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 6

Rebecca Long Bailey

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

Kate Osborne

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Grahame Morris

This House notes that, due to the cost of living crisis, the increase to the National Living Wage in April 2023 will be welcomed by many low waged families; expresses regret that it will also result in unwelcome consequences for many workers in the Ministry of Defence; notes that these workers include Ministry of Defence guards, cleaners, workers in stores areas and workers maintaining and refuelling military aircrafts; further notes the uplift means that Ministry of Defence workers on skill zone 1 will automatically be upgraded to a higher rate of pay, unlike skill zone 2 workers; acknowledges this means that both skill zone 1 and 2 will receive a new rate of £10.42 per hour; is concerned that this will result in the immediate erosion of the skill zone pay differential; rejects any proposals by the Ministry of Defence to arbitrarily change gross hours to net hours in an effort to deflect these pay implications; calls on the Ministry of Defence to urgently compensate all affected workers; is concerned to learn that many hardworking Ministry of Defence staff are forced to rely on foodbanks to make ends meet whilst diligently supporting and defending our country; recognises the important work Unite the Union is doing to fight for their members on this issue; and calls on the Government to pay Ministry of Defence workers fairly.

982Sweetie Brae Nursery 25th anniversary

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 3

Dr Lisa Cameron

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Sweetie Brae Nursery on its 25th year of supporting local families in Strathaven and surrounding areas; commends the work of Moira Fell, Director, and her parents who first built Sweetie Brae between 1996 and 1998, opening for business on Monday 9 February 1998; recognises the crucial emphasis on partnership with and support for parents at the nursery, with learning journals bridging home-learning and the nursery; understands the importance of such childcare services for the working parent community; notes the commitment, enthusiasm and hard-work of the whole team at Sweetie Brae; further notes the secure, safe and stimulating environment that the nursery provides; and wishes Sweetie Brae all the very best for the future.

983Freedom Day in Belarus

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 2

Tony Lloyd

Jim Shannon

That this House expresses its support for Belarusians celebrating Freedom Day on 25 March to mark that day in 1918 when Belarus gained its independence; notes that the fraudulent Belarusian presidential election in 2020, in which Alexander Lukashenko falsely declared victory over Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, resulted in peaceful mass protests against the Lukashenko regime and the fraudulent election, followed by severe reprisals and repression; considers Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to be the leader of a democratic Belarus and commends the courage and determination of the opposition in exile working towards democratic governance in that country; calls on the authoritarian Lukashenko regime to release the thousands of political prisoners, drop the prosecution in absentia of the Belarusian opposition in exile, uphold freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and end its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and requests that the Government provides further support to Belarusians in exile, to expand and tighten its sanctions regime against Belarusians responsible for serious and systematic human rights violations, and to join calls for the opening of a BBC Belarusian service and the suspension of Belarus from Interpol and UEFA.

984Telecoms price increases

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 6

Tony Lloyd

Jon Trickett

Jim Shannon

Nadia Whittome

Kate Osborne

Jonathan Edwards

That this House condemns the announced plans by the UK’s largest telecoms companies for above-inflation mid-contract price increases; highlights reports that O2 plans to increase prices by 17.3 per cent while BT, EE, Vodafone, Three, Plusnet Mobile and Talkmobile plan to increase prices by 14.4 per cent and Virgin Media plans to increase prices by an average of 13.8 per cent; emphasises that this comes following Ofcom saying in September 2022 that a record eight million UK households were already facing problems paying mobile, broadband, pay-TV and streaming bills; further highlights that Ofcom has expressed concern about the level of uncertainty customers face about future price rises; notes that Ofcom has launched a review into this; would welcome urgent action by Ofcom; and calls on telecoms companies to reconsider these significant price increases at a time when millions are already struggling with the cost of living.

985Peabody Housing Association

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 2

Daisy Cooper

Tim Farron

That this House notes with concern the standard of customer service and engagement provided by Peabody Housing Association; expresses its disappointment that responses to enquiries to the association are not forthcoming to either its customers or their Members of Parliament; agrees with tenants and leaseholders of the association that it is unacceptable that they continue to find themselves having no method of recourse to challenge irregularly large service charge increases; regrets that the Chief Executive Ian McDermott has repeatedly ignored correspondence asking for justification for above inflation increases to service charges; further notes with alarm the reports in the Financial Times that The Residents Scrutiny Panel for Peabody revealed in June 2022, that 87 per cent of respondents viewed increases as unreasonable, and that two-thirds of residents who queried service charge levels were found to have been overcharged; calls on the Peabody Housing Association to respond promptly to enquiries from its customers and their Members of Parliament; and calls on the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to invite Peabody Housing Association to answer for its failures in customer service and engagement.

986Renfrew YMCA Youth Social Action Group

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 4

Gavin Newlands

Alan Brown

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Renfrew YMCA’s Youth Social Action Group on winning the Environmental Award at YMCA Scotland’s award dinner held in Stirling in February; notes that the group have been working to raise awareness and educate the wider community about the impacts of climate change and the action needed to help tackle it; commends the practical work undertaken by the group to involve the community, which includes litter picking, promoting growing your own food and organising a sustainable afternoon tea for members of the local community; highlights the hard work and dedication of YMCA members across Scotland in doing their bit to fight climate change; and looks forward to much more recognition for the young people of Renfrew YMCA for the valuable and inspirational work they do in making Renfrewshire a better place to live.

987Prison education

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 30

Zarah Sultana

Kim Johnson

Kate Osamor

Apsana Begum

Liz Saville Roberts

John McDonnell

That this House notes the importance of prison education being at the heart of rehabilitation, and its power to unlock potential and reduce reoffending; is alarmed by the dire state of prison education, with experts and authoritative bodies including the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Ofsted and the Education Select Committee warning of poor outcomes due to a lack of learning by prisoners; believes the current for-profit system of prison education wastes millions of pounds of public money each year and encourages a race to the bottom between the four main providers in terms of quality of education, suitability of curricula and conditions of staff employment; and therefore calls on the Government to use their pledged launch of a Prisoner Education Service to bring the delivery of prison education back into the public sector, with standardised qualifications, curricula and staff contracts.

988Epilepsy Scotland and Purple Day

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 6

Kirsten Oswald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Dave Doogan

Ronnie Cowan

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House recognises and is grateful for the important work carried out by Epilepsy Scotland, who fight to reduce the stigma experienced by people living with epilepsy, and to influence public policy to ensure appropriate support is available for those living with the condition; notes epilepsy is the most common neurological condition with an estimated 55,000 people living with the condition in Scotland; further notes that Epilepsy Scotland provides a range of services including a helpline, a check-in service, a youth service, a well-being service and online support groups; understands that Epilepsy Scotland is currently conducting a survey to investigate the links between mental health issues and epilepsy; further recognises that Sunday 26 March 2023 is Purple Day, a time where thousands of people across the globe will come together to start conversations about epilepsy, raise awareness of the condition and to fundraise; acknowledges that Epilepsy Scotland is encouraging people to wear the colour purple and lighting buildings purple to mark the occasion; and wishes Epilepsy Scotland all the very best in continuing their important work.

989Police pay

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 2

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that a report by the Social Market Foundation, commissioned by the Police Federation of England and Wales, found that police pay fell by 17 per cent in real terms between 2000 and 2020; further notes that if current trends continue, police officers will face a further 4 per cent cut in real terms by 2027; recognises that the report found that the starting salaries of police constables have risen considerably slower than earnings as a whole across the economy; acknowledges the findings of the 2022 Police Federation Pay and Morale Survey which found that one in five police officers were considering leaving the service within the next two years and high levels of low morale across the occupation; notes that police officers are unable to strike for better remuneration; and calls on the Police Remuneration Review Body to consider the findings of both reports when setting future pay awards and requests that the Home Office allocate additional resources to Police Forces in England and Wales to fund additional pay awards.