Contents

Published: Friday 31 March 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 30 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

1036Wildlife rangers

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Barry Sheerman

That this House congratulates rangers on their work to guard wildlife and protect the natural world; recognises the great damage caused to wildlife by poachers across the world, particularly in Africa and South America; mourns the death of rangers killed by poachers; is aware that illegal wildlife crime is estimated to worth more than $20 billion per year; understands that the families of rangers killed are unlikely to receive compensation or support; and calls on the Government to work with international organisations to provide compensation and support to families of killed rangers as well as to combat poaching across the world.

1037Show Racism the Red Card

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 2

Kim Johnson

Jon Trickett

That this House congratulates Show Racism the Red Card for engaging one million people through their anti-racist educational programmes; notes the contribution of footballers and other sportsmen and women in promoting equality and inclusion among adults and children in schools, workplaces and at sporting clubs; believes that Show Racism the Red Card has played an important role in increasing understanding of racism, and providing practical examples of how to combat this; and wishes Show Racism the Red Card every success in continuing to teach young people, especially, the skills to recognise and challenge racism and to have the confidence to become an ally.

1038Caledonia Gladiators: BBL Trophy

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the Caledonia Gladiators, who defeated Cheshire Phoenix in the BBL Trophy Final at the Emirates Arena on Sunday 26 March 2023; notes that the Caledonia Gladiators won 73-70 in a dramatic finish which saw David Sloan score the winning three points on the final buzzer; further congratulates Jeremiah Bailey, who was awarded MVP and given Molten’s golden basketball following his contribution of 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists; is grateful for the continued leadership of captain Jonny Bunyan; appreciates the work that head coach and former player Gareth Murray has put into the development of the team over many years; notes the commitment of owners Steve and Alison Timoney to the men's and women's Caledonia Gladiators teams; and wishes the Caledonia Gladiators, their players, staff and fans all the best for the future.

1039Catch Fish and Chips in Netherlee

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Catch Fish and Chips in Netherlee after they were judged to be among the top 50 best Fish and Chips takeaways in the UK; notes that Catch has two premises in East Renfrewshire located at Giffnock and Netherlee; understands that Catch’s west end-eatery was also named in the top 10 restaurant list; further understands the ranking was produced by Fry Magazine’s mystery judges who visited premises unannounced to secretly scrutinise a variety of factors including the cleanliness of the premises, staff knowledge, quality of food, value for money, social media presence and the ease of ordering; further notes that takeaways and restaurants had to score at least 95 per cent and 92 per cent respectively in order to be ranked; and wishes Catch Fish and Chips continued success for the future.

1040Pension entitlement for women born in the 1950s

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Sir George Howarth

That this House notes with great concern that women born in the 1950s have been found to have been subjected to direct discrimination and maladministration as a consequence of having their entitlement to receive their state pensions at 65 revoked; further notes that 3.8 million women have been adversely affected by this policy and have been unjustly treated; recognises that there is a case for considering the use of an Alternative Disputes Resolution process, including representatives of all of the women affected; and calls on the Government to give urgent and sympathetic consideration to this proposed potential way forward.

1041Pollokshields branch of the Bank of Scotland

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Alison Thewliss

That this House expresses its disappointment that Bank of Scotland has decided to close the Glasgow Pollokshields Branch on Albert Drive; notes that this is part of a worrying wider pattern of local branch closures across Scotland; further notes the concerns local communities and businesses have about the lack of access to cash; understands that the decision to close the branch follows two serious fires on Albert Drive in recent years which have impacted upon footfall on the street; believes that the closure of the Pollokshields branch could hamper the regeneration of Albert Drive; and urges Bank of Scotland to reconsider the closure of this branch.

1042International Dark Sky Week 2023

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 1

Caroline Lucas

That this House celebrates International Dark Sky Week 2023 between 15 and 22 April 2023 and the ongoing campaign to reduce levels of light pollution while promoting better quality, community-friendly lighting; recognises the impacts from poor lighting and increasing levels of light pollution on the natural world, human health, society and carbon emissions; is concerned that global levels of light pollution are increasing by 10 per cent every year, leading to a doubling of brightness of the night sky every eight years; therefore considers it necessary to take decisive action to reduce levels of light pollution; and urges the Government to recognise light as an environmental pollutant by setting light pollution targets as a measure to reduce levels and impact.

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.

979Ukrainian artists

Tabled: 17/03/23 Signatories: 11

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: 7

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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: 31

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.

983Freedom Day in Belarus

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 10

Tony Lloyd

Jim Shannon

Wayne David

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

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: 13

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.

989Police pay

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 6

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Rachael Maskell

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.

99040th anniversary of East Kilbride Credit Union

Tabled: 21/03/23 Signatories: 6

Dr Lisa Cameron

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Angus Brendan MacNeil

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.

996UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Tabled: 23/03/23 Signatories: 38

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Nadia Whittome

Jeremy Corbyn

Anne McLaughlin

Caroline Lucas

Kim Johnson

That this House recognises the UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade; calls on the UK Government to offer a full formal apology, for the destructive and exploitative actions of the British Empire, including but not limited to, the Empire’s role in the transatlantic slave trade and colonisation; demands that this apology goes beyond the expressions of deep regret that have been made by previous Prime Ministers; recognises that no amount of money could ever fully make amends for the atrocities inflicted by the British Empire, but that meaningful steps can be taken to atone for past actions and the lasting impact those actions continue to have; applauds the Government of the Netherlands who issued a formal apology for the past actions of the Dutch State; welcomes the apology from the Trevelyan family, an aristocratic British family, for their ownership of slaves and their commitment to reparations; calls on the UK Government to follow these examples; notes that during the time of the Empire, Britain pillaged and looted several cultural artefacts from other nations, including art, jewellery, gems, treasures and even human remains, many of which are on display in UK museums, universities and institutions; is aware that Britain was not alone in these actions; welcomes the announcements from several museums, universities and institutions across Europe who have agreed to return stolen artifacts; and further calls on the Government to engage in meaningful conversations around reparations including the restitution of stolen artifacts.

997Pilgrim's Food Masters

Tabled: 23/03/23 Signatories: 3

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes the extraordinary legacy of the late Lord Noon as a businessman and his commitment to social justice; welcomes his role in establishing Noon Foods; notes with concern the change in employment practices at Noon Foods since being taken over by Pilgrim's Food Masters; welcomes the 100 workers at Pilgrim's Food Masters that visited Parliament on 23 March 2023 with the GMB to share their experience of fire and rehire; is aware the food company based in Southall West London has made more than 100 staff redundant with the closure of the Collett Way plant and this figure could rise as high as 250; further notes that the GMB Union has more than 1,000 members at Pilgrim's Food Masters, predominantly low-paid women of Punjabi, Sri Lankan and Somali heritage; and urges Pilgrim's Food Masters to end their fire and rehire programme and instead work constructively and respectfully with their workers and the GMB.

1004Big Yellow Friday 2023

Tabled: 24/03/23 Signatories: 13

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

That this House notes that 31 March 2023 is Big Yellow Friday; congratulates the Children's Liver Disease Foundation on its work in raising awareness, promoting research and providing information and support for people affected by a life-threatening liver disease; further notes with concern that, every week, 20 children in the UK are diagnosed with a life-threatening childhood liver disease with no cure, meaning a lifetime of medical care; commends the work of the Children's Liver Disease Foundation for working tirelessly and investing to support families and fund research projects, which helps to understand and treat childhood liver diseases; further congratulates all those taking part in Big Yellow Friday 2023 for showing support for children affected by childhood liver disease and their families; and calls on the Government to work closely with all national liver-disease charities to help ensure that childhood liver diseases are understood, prevented and treated effectively, ensuring that babies, children, young people and adults diagnosed in childhood achieve their full potential.

1009Genocide Determination Bill [HL]

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 10

Chris Law

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Allan Dorans

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes with enthusiastic approbation the decision of the House of Lords of 28 October 2022, with all party support, to give a second reading to the Genocide Determination Bill, in line with welcome promises by the last two Prime Ministers to reform the law on genocide determination; further notes that the Bill provides basic mechanisms to enable the UK to implement its urgently-needed duty to prevent genocide; welcomes the support from former Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Ministers, a former Ambassador to the United Nations, former Supreme Court Judges, bishops, faith communities and senior judicial figures; and urges the Government to provide, at the earliest opportunity, parliamentary time to expedite the Bill's further consideration and enactment.

1010Government action on Iran

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 17

Ed Davey

Jim Shannon

Tim Farron

Layla Moran

Sarah Olney

Richard Foord

That this House condemns the continued excessive use of force and violence by the Iranian authorities against Iranian women and all others protesting against the Iranian regime; notes with appreciation the work of many British-Iranians to highlight the abuses being perpetrated by the Iranian regime; welcomes the most recent sanctions issued by the Government against the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps and urges further action; supports the case for proscription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps; calls on the Government to follow the call of Anoosheh Ashoori and ensure that the relatives of sanctioned Iranian officials are not living prosperously in the UK off the back of stolen wealth which has been funnelled out of Iran; urges the Government to provide emergency funding for BBC Persian radio; and further calls on the Government to work with international partners to set up safe and legal routes for Iranian women.

101412th anniversary of the detainment of political prisoners in Bahrain

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 8

Brendan O'Hara

Allan Dorans

Drew Hendry

Rachael Maskell

Alison Thewliss

Ben Lake

That this House recognises the 12th anniversary of the imprisonment of political prisoners in Bahrain; expresses grave concern over their ongoing, wrongful detention and violations of their human rights; recalls that during Bahrain’s Arab Spring pro-democracy uprising in 2011, authorities arrested opposition figures, religious leaders and human rights defenders, including Hassan Mushaima, Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja, Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace, Sheikh Mohammed Habib Al-Miqdad, Sheikh Abduljalil Al-Miqdad, Sheikh Saeed AlNouri, Abdulwahab Husain, Mohamed Ali Ismaeel, Sheikh Mirza Al-Mahroos and Sheikh Abdulhadi Al-Mukhoder, of whom seven are convicted to life imprisonment and three to 15 years; condemns reports that many of these individuals including Mushaima, Dr Al-Singace and Al-Khawaja were subjected to torture, some of which was documented in the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report; notes reports that many still face the denial of access to timely and adequate medical care; has particular concern for Dr Al-Singace, who has been on hunger strike for over one year and eight months, due to the Bahraini authorities’ refusal to return his arbitrarily confiscated, apolitical academic research to his family; deplores reports that since July 2021 Dr Al-Singace and Mushaima have been held in effective solitary confinement; echoes calls made by human rights organisations, including the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, for Bahrain to release Dr Al-Singace immediately and unconditionally, and for his research to be returned; and calls on the Government to use all available leverage, both privately and publicly, to push Bahrain to release the above-named individuals.

1015150th anniversary of Seapatrick Flute Band

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Seapatrick Flute Band on reaching their 150th anniversary; recognises the positive role the band has played in the community throughout its history and in the present day; and extends best wishes to the membership of Seapatrick Flute Band as they celebrate this significant milestone, and for the future.

1016Ovarian cancer awareness month 2023

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 11

Jim Shannon

Ian Lavery

Sir Mike Penning

Paul Girvan

Christine Jardine

Rachael Maskell

That this House notes Ovarian cancer awareness month that takes place in March 2023; further notes that over 7,000 women are diagnosed each year in the UK and over 4,000 women lose their lives each year, which is 11 women everyday; highlights that if diagnosed at the earliest stage, nine in 10 women will survive, but two-thirds of women are diagnosed late, when the cancer is harder to treat; further highlights that nearly half of GPs mistakenly believe symptoms only present in the later stages of the disease, and less than a third of women in the UK are confident they know the symptoms; notes the incredible work by MacMillan and Cancer Research in raising awareness on what to look out for in terms of ovarian cancer diagnosis; and thanks MacMillan for all they do for those families who need support.

1018Sarah Hunter MBE

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 12

Mary Glindon

Chi Onwurah

Kate Osborne

Liz Twist

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Julie Elliott

That this House congratulates Sarah Hunter MBE on her retirement from rugby after a sterling and inspiring career, which began at school in North Tyneside before she was selected for the England squad and during which she amassed 141 caps, and the deep admiration and respect of the rugby family and more widely; notes that England head coach Simon Middleton has rightly described her as England's greatest player, and that she bowed out, after participating in the 58-7 win over Scotland in the Women's Six Nations, as England's most-capped male or female player and the most-capped women's international in the world; and wishes her all the very best in her work for the Rugby Football Union and whatever opportunities she finds for her expertise and experience as a cheerful, graceful and helpful diplomat for the game.

1019Lawrencetown Apprentice Boys of Derry Club's 75th anniversary

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House extends warmest congratulations to Lawrencetown ABOD Club, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year; pays tribute to the Club for its positive contribution to the community; recognises the importance of culture and remembrance in society; and extends best wishes to the Club for their anniversary year and into the future.

1020Lurgan Bowling Club

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House extends warmest congratulations to Lurgan Bowling Club, for their ongoing success across their gents, ladies and veterans teams; recognises that bowls clubs across Northern Ireland provide a great opportunity for sport and socialising; and wishes the Club continued success in the future.

1021Craigavon Senior High U16s Rugby Team

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Paul Girvan

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Craigavon Senior High U16s Rugby Team on winning the High Schools' Trophy at the Kingspan Stadium; commends the players and coaching staff for securing this prestigious victory; and wishes the team well for the remainder of the season.

1022Inverness Business Improvement District

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 6

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Anne McLaughlin

That this House congratulates Inverness Business Improvement District on their recent success in being voted in for another five year term; recognises that this success is down to their unwavering hard work and commitment to improving Inverness city centre for those who live, work and run businesses in Inverness; pays thanks to the team at the Business Improvement District for all they do; and wishes them continued success for the future.

1023Special Needs Action Project stars in their eyes fundraising at Kingsmills Hotel

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 7

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Angus Brendan MacNeil

That this House congratulates the team at Kingsmills Hotel on the success of their recent fundraiser in aid of the Special Needs Action Project; recognises that the Special Needs Action Project do incredibly valuable work to support local children with special needs and their families, including offering sensory play sessions, family support groups and one-to-one therapy sessions; notes that the Stars in their Eyes event saw contestants take to the stage as various stars including Freddie Mercury and Dolly Parton; further congratulates Steve Walsh and his daughter Sophia for winning on the night; pays thanks to Nicola McAlley for hosting the event; and celebrates the incredible £33,000 raised to support local children with special needs.

1024Charleston Academy 200th school to join the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework programme

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 6

Drew Hendry

Brendan O'Hara

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Douglas Chapman

Jim Shannon

Anne McLaughlin

That this House congratulates Charleston Academy in Inverness on becoming the 200th school in Scotland to join the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework School Ambassador programme; recognises the valuable work of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework School Ambassador programme in offering secondary schools the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework and the wider ways in which it supports learners, including recognising wider achievement, developing senior phase learning pathways and demonstrating equality between vocational and academic qualifications; celebrates the milestone achieved by Charleston Academy in Inverness; and wishes pupils and teachers alike continued success in their participation in the programme.

1025Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 2

Dave Doogan

Angus Brendan MacNeil

That this House congratulates Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery for winning the Green Distilleries Competition; notes the £3 million grant awarded to pursue green projects; commends the installation of a one megawatt wind turbine and progress towards becoming the first green hydrogen-powered distillery; applauds their creation of Nàdar, the world's first climate-positive gin and vodka; and appreciates the great strides Arbikie Distillery have made towards a fully renewable and sustainable future in the drinks industry.

1027Clwb Rygbi Rhydaman, Ammanford Rugby Club

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 5

Jonathan Edwards [R]

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House recognises the achievements of both the Ammanford Rugby Club First and Youth teams during the 2022-23 season; congratulates the Youth team on winning their semi final game against Builth Wells to reach the final of the Wales Youth Plate competition where they will compete against Burry Port at the National Stadium; notes that the First team will also play a semi final game on Saturday 1 April against Newbridge RFC for the right to also compete at the National Stadium for the Division 1 Cup; further congratulates all the players, coaches committee and supporters for their achievements; and thanks them for making the town of Ammanford, the wider Amman Valley and the Club's Honorary President, the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, extremely proud.

1028Paul O'Grady

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 16

Mick Whitley

Alison Thewliss

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Kim Johnson

That this House expresses its sadness on the untimely passing of Paul O’Grady; celebrates the life of a much-loved entertainer, writer, actor, and comedian; recognises the great pride that the people of Birkenhead have taken over many years in the continued success of their favourite son; commends the trailblazing work that he did to introduce drag to a wider, mainstream audience in the persona of Lily Savage; applauds his extensive support for a number of charitable causes, most notably in the field of animal welfare but also as fundraiser for HIV AIDs research, amongst others; remembers him also as a man of great political principle and as a sometimes trenchant critic of Government policy, including the Thatcher Government’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and cuts to frontline services implemented by the Conservative-Liberal Democratic coalition; and extends heartfelt sympathies to his husband Andre, family, friends and many fans.

1029Scotland men’s national football team

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 12

Gavin Newlands

Stephen Flynn

Mhairi Black

Alan Brown

Alison Thewliss

Stuart C McDonald

That this House congratulates the Scotland men’s national team’s 2-0 victory over Spain in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying fixture; applauds Scott McTominay on his two goals to secure all three points; acknowledges that the victory made it two wins from two games and that Scotland sit atop the group table; notes that the result marks the first defeat Spain have encountered in European Championship qualifying since 2014; regrets that coverage of the men’s national team and their success requires a paid subscription to view while games featuring the Wales and England men’s national teams are available free-to-air for all to watch and be inspired by; and welcomes any moves which may result in live coverage of Scotland men’s game being made available to supporters regardless of their ability to pay.

1031Botley covid memorial

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 5

Layla Moran

Alison Thewliss

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House recognises the grief caused by the pandemic that is felt every day by millions in the UK who lost loved ones or found their lives profoundly altered by Long Covid; notes the importance of memorials in creating space for reflection; congratulates North Hinksey Parish Council, the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment and Hinksey Heights Nature Trail volunteers for creating a covid memorial site, planting six wild cherry trees on 25 March 2023 in Botley; further notes that the site offers a place to remember those whose lives were lost or permanently affected by the pandemic; and calls on the Government to provide funding for covid memorials across the country.

1035Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre

Tabled: 29/03/23 Signatories: 2

Daisy Cooper

Jonathan Edwards

That this House recognises the dedication and determination of community groups in Sopwell ward, St Albans, to build a new community centre and St Albans Cycle Hub; applauds the collaboration between Sopwell Community Trust, the Cottonmill and Sopwell Hub campaign group and Verulam Cycling Club in campaigning for this new facility; commends their inclusive, cooperative approach to give all sectors of the community a voice in the process; acknowledges the work of the Liberal Democrat-run Council to identify the needs of the Sopwell community and deliver this outstanding facility; congratulates all concerned on the successful opening of the Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre on 4 March 2023 which includes a new hall and community kitchen for hire, a changing places toilet for the disabled, Wudu washing facilities, a quiet room for SEND children and people living with dementia, a cafe, changing rooms for clubs using the football pitch and outdoor court, a cyclo-cross track, MOT type 2 aggregate track for learner cyclists, dirt jumps for cyclists and a pump track suitable for both skateboarders and cyclists, and an accessible car park including electric vehicle charging points; and commends Councillors for enabling a unique and inclusive community committee which has enabled meaningful consultation and collaboration with St Albans District Council to successfully bring this project to fruition; and notes that the centre is proving to be a lifeline for residents to access foodbank services, 'warm hubs' and support services to help during the current cost of living emergency.