Contents

Published: Tuesday 18 April 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 17 April 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

1043Knife crime reduction

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Rebecca Long Bailey

That this House notes that knife crime continues to devastate lives, with offences involving a knife or sharp instrument being 50,434 in 2021-2022 compared with the decade low of 28,298 in 2013-14, according to Home Office Police recorded crime data; further notes that Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Metropolitan are the three Police Force Areas with the highest volumes of knife-enabled crime in England and Wales in the year ending September 2022 according to the ONS; commends the fall in knife crime in Salford in 2022, defying national trends, due to extensive work with young people by local organisations like Salford Community Safety Partnership and Greater Manchester Police operations; notes that recent serious knife crime incidents indicate a need for further urgent, extensive funding for reduction campaigns and initiatives, including knife crime awareness initiatives in schools and youth-based settings such as the No More Knives campaign, the creation of resources like the commendable documentary No Safe Place produced by young people and ReelMCR and funded by Great Places and Equans, the #KNIFEFREE digital and outdoor campaign by ForHousing, City West Housing and Salford Community Leisure, and ringfenced police resources; further notes the importance of reviewing the potential clinical benefits of rolling out installation of life-saving bleed kits across cities and regions like Greater Manchester, as well as local training to use them, which will also benefit in other emergency scenarios; and as such, urgently calls on the Government to ringfence dedicated funding for such initiatives.

1044Aidan Martin and Mark Deans and The Scheme, Livingston

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Hannah Bardell

That this House celebrates the launch of The Scheme in Livingston, a free service offering people struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, and mental health issues, the chance to be creative in the world of music, writing, performance, filmmaking, and other arts that are often inaccessible to many people; congratulates its founders and local artists, Aidan Martin and Mark Deans, for their long-standing commitment and work over many years to make this service available; recognises their work and role, along with West Lothian College, that ensures a safe, accessible and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds and circumstances to be able to use; and further notes the importance of the The Scheme for people across Livingston and West Lothian in view of the drug death crisis and mental health crisis that are impacting our local communities.

1045Housing conditions in the private rented sector

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Dan Carden

That this House acknowledges the report by Citizen's Advice entitled Damp, cold and full of mould: The reality of housing in the private rented sector; is alarmed by the finding that 2.7 million renting households, including 1.6 million children, are currently living in cold, damp or mouldy homes; calls on the Government to implement the report's recommendations to strengthen minimum energy efficiency standards in legislation; and further calls for Awaab’s Law, which will place strict timelines on landlords to deal with issues such as damp and mould, to be extended to the private sector.

1046Friends of Strathaven Castle

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House commends the great progress and achievement of the Friends of Strathaven Castle group; recognises the historical value of the 15th-century monument, with the last resident being Anne, Duchess of Hamilton, who lived there until her death in 1716; applauds founder of the Group, Jan Dawson, who started the group on 27 January 2022 in order to galvanise the community of Strathaven to promote sustainable and necessary repairs and renewed access to the Castle; notes the quick growth of the group to over 750 members already; congratulates them on the progress made so far in their campaign for repairs to the Castle; and wishes them the very best in this and all their other endeavours.

1047Netherlee Primary 90th birthday

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Netherlee Primary School as they celebrate their 90th birthday, having first opened their doors in 1933; notes the birthday was marked in a number of ways including a talent show, parties, and art projects; further notes that a special podcast series called 90 Years in 90 Minutes was created to mark the birthday, with students hosting the podcast and interviewing current members of staff, the oldest pupil, and a former student; understands the tech team responsible for the production of the podcast was also student-led; recognises the significant birthday was also marked with students lining up in the playground to form a huge number 90, footage of which was captured using an aerial drone; and wishes all the staff and pupils at Netherlee Primary all the very best for the future.

1048Jack Ransom 103rd birthday

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House is congratulates Jack Ransom, a resident of Largs, who reached the milestone of his 103rd birthday on 15 April 2023; understands that Jack is a Londoner by birth, known locally as the Scottish Cockney, and notably served in the army and survived the horrific conditions of the Burma Railway in World War Two; recognises that, due to covid-19, Jack was unable to celebrate his 100th birthday as planned and, therefore, is determined to celebrate this special occasion; and wishes Jack a happy birthday and looks forward to his 104th birthday.

1049Include Me2 Club, Cowan Park

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates the Include Me2 Club charity based in Barrhead who obtained a three-year lease on the Gate Lodge at Cowan Park; notes that the club worked hard to refurbish the hub that includes public toilets, a café, enterprise and community spaces for hire, meeting spaces, a cycling hub and bike hire; further notes that the opening ceremony for the new club was attended by Catherine Kennedy, who was born in the Gate Lodge building; applauds the invaluable work of the club, which delivers events and activities for children and adults with physical, mental health and learning disabilities or additional support needs; values the positive contribution that the club makes to communities across East Renfrewshire and beyond; appreciates the hard work and dedication of all those involved with the delivery of the club’s services; and wishes the club all the very best for the future.

1050Billy Sinclair Neilston

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Billy Sinclair of Sinclair Hair Studios in Neilston as he approaches his retirement after more than five decades of service as a barber; notes Billy started working with James Lawns in Cross Arthurlie Street Barrhead before starting his shop for gents on Kirktonfield Road Neilston in 1968; recognises Billy then moved his business to the current location on Neilston Mainstreet in 1980, which will close its doors for the last time on 15 April 2023; further notes that Billy was joined for the past 35 years by Mick Barclay and Cathy Moore, who managed the gents and ladies services respectively; understands that Billy has been an active part of the Neilston community, including having chaired the Neilston Business Forum; thanks Billy for his significant service to the local community for over half a century; and wishes Billy all the very best for his retirement, when he intends to spend more time on the golf course and visiting his family in Dubai.

1051Asian Tandoori, Scottish Curry Awards 2023

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Asian Tandoori takeaway in Cambuslang on being shortlisted as finalists for the 15th annual Scottish Curry Awards; celebrates the Scottish Curry Awards and their efforts in highlighting the growth of the Asian curry sector in Scotland; recognises the hard work and commitment that has led to Asian Tandoori’s finalist nomination; and wishes them well both at The Scottish Curry Awards 2023 and in all of their future endeavours.

1052Terra Kin, BBC Radio Scotland award

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Terra Kin, from Cambuslang, on winning BBC Radio Scotland’s Scottish Act of The Year 2023; distinguishes the hard work and talent that has led to this achievement; celebrates BBC Radio Scotland’s competition and their amplification of the Scottish music scene and emerging Scottish talent; notes that winning this competition gives Terra the opportunity to perform at TRNSMT music festival; and wishes her the best with this and all of her future endeavours.

1053Elsie Cook, Scottish Women's Football

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Alan Brown

That this House recognises the outstanding contribution of Elsie Cook to the development of women's football in the UK; notes that she founded the Scottish Women’s Football Association in 1972 and organised the first international women’s football game for Scotland's national team against England, in conjunction with Pat Gregory, then honorary secretary of the English Women’s Football Association; further notes that the game was played at the Ravenscraig stadium, Greenock, partly because of a longstanding ban by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) on the use of professional-level pitches and that the SFA did not recognise the women’s game formally until 1974, this first international was deemed unofficial; notes that Elsie was banned by the SFA from any involvement with the senior women’s team; notes that this match provided a goal scoring debut for Rose Reilly, who went on to win a world cup for her adopted nation team, the Italian national team, gli Azzure (the Blues); welcomes that her tireless campaigning helped to reverse the ban on women playing football in Scotland and applauds her for breaking down barriers and fighting for women football players to have the same rights and respect as men; commends Elsie for her recent receipt of a civic recognition certificate from East Ayrshire Council; believes that she deserves continued recognition nationally for her pioneering work in the women's game; and thanks Elsie for her continued support of her beloved club, Kilmarnock FC, where she remains a dedicated fan to this day.

1054John Gibson cycle for Beatson Cancer Charity

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House congratulates John Gibson on cycling 124.97 miles across Glasgow and Edinburgh on Friday 31 March 2023 in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity; commends him for doing so in exactly 11 hours, finishing at Hampden Park; applauds him for raising £2,793 to support the invaluable services that the Beatson Cancer Charity provides; recognises his long-standing dedication to supporting the work of Beatson; and wishes him and his family all the best for the future.

1055Ben Gentil, East Lothian Young Musician of the Year

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kenny MacAskill

That this House congratulates Ben Gentil on being crowned East Lothian's Young Musician of the Year in a countywide competition in March 2023; understands that 25 soloists from seven different schools performed in recitals at St Mary's Parish Church in Haddington, and that 13 of those were asked to return for the final, where drummer Ben was announced as the winner by adjudicators; recognises that Ben has also been offered a place at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; and wishes Ben and all the runners-up the very best of luck with the future.

1056Retirement of Malcolm Quinn after 50 years at Henderson Grass Machinery

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kenny MacAskill

That this House congratulates Malcolm Quinn on his retirement after working for 50 years at Henderson Grass Machinery in Haddington, East Lothian; recognises that Malcolm joined the company as a teenager and worked as a parts assistant; understands that Malcolm is a keen runner and will likely be spending his new-found spare time running, having already completed more that 50 marathons and over 200 half marathons; and wishes Malcolm the very best of luck with his retirement and all the best for the future.

1057Mearns Primary School, Kellogg’s Breakfast Club

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Kirsten Oswald

That this House congratulates Mearns Primary School in Newton Mearns East Renfrewshire for being shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Breakfast Club in Scotland category as part of Kellogg’s annual Breakfast Club Awards; recognises the unfortunate reality that too many children go to school hungry each day which can have a detrimental impact on their education; highlights the positive impact that the Breakfast Club has had in the school with teachers reporting improved concentration and focus during class time from children who attended the club; appreciates that Mearns Primary made the final shortlist of 48 schools, which was whittled down from an initial cohort of 400 schools; further notes that Mearns Primary Breakfast Club provides around 23 children with healthy nutritious meals to kickstart the school day; understands Kellogg’s have supported Breakfast Clubs in schools for 25 years and that the Best Breakfast Club 2023 Award has a prize of £1,000 and a trip to the House of Commons for the club’s participants; and wishes everyone involved with the Mearns Primary Breakfast Club the very best of luck for the final stage of the Breakfast Club Awards.

1058East Kilbride Rugby Football Club

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Lisa Cameron

That this House commends East Kilbride Rugby Football Club on its recent qualification for the Scottish Rugby National Shield Final; notes that this is its fifth national final appearance in the 55 years of the club’s history; recognises, in particular, the hard work and achievement of Head Coach, Craig Brown, in his first season successfully leading the team; pays tribute to the strong links with the local East Kilbride community that have been forged and strengthened by the club; and wishes them all the best in this important match at Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scottish rugby, recognising that the club has already made East Kilbride proud.

1059Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That the House notes that a Civic Reception will be held to mark Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels being awarded the overall winners of the Provost’s Civic Awards in 2021; understands that due to the covid-19 pandemic they were not afforded an opportunity to be recognised for their achievements and that their volunteers, helpers and friends will have that opportunity at this reception; also notes that the services they provide include food supplies via their community pantry, toiletries, feminine products and baby wipes and pampers as well community facilities including a meeting space, social space and promotional space for the local community to use; further notes that they have established a Chatty Café for members of the local community to use; believes that Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels offer an invaluable and outstanding contribution to the local community; and wishes them well for the coming years.

1060TransPennine Express

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Mike Amesbury

That this House calls for the contract for TransPennine Express to be terminated; notes that TransPennine Express has been providing unacceptable levels of service to the north for years and that they are at truly now dire levels; also notes that TransPennine Express recently cancelled almost a quarter of all trains between 5 February and 4 March and recorded one of the worst punctuality rates in the country between October and December last year with less than half of services running on time; recognises that people in the north deserve a reliable train service for work, school, college and leisure; and calls on the Government to bring TransPennine Express under the operator of last resort and back into public ownership.

1061Brandon Grant, Boxing Scotland Elite Championships 2023

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Brandon Grant on winning the title of Scottish Elite Flyweight Champion at the Boxing Scotland Elite Championships 2023; notes that he received a gold medal, a pair of golden gloves and a championship belt; praises the talent, hard work and determination that has enabled his achievements; recognises his club, Priestfield Boxing Club in Blantyre, for their role in nurturing young sporting talent in the community; celebrates good sportsmanship and the sport of boxing; and wishes the best for both Brandon and Priestfield Boxing Club in all of their future endeavours.

1062gal-dem magazine

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 7

Nadia Whittome

Ms Diane Abbott

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Dawn Butler

Apsana Begum

Zarah Sultana

That this House celebrates the achievements and legacy of gal-dem magazine, an online and print publication that was produced by and centred women and non-binary people of colour; notes that it gave life-changing opportunities to journalists from marginalised backgrounds; further notes its importance in platforming underrepresented issues, experiences and points of view; mourns its recent closure after eight years; recognises the need for a greater diversity of voices and perspectives in UK media; believes that independent media is an important component of the media landscape that is in need of greater support during the cost of living crisis; and wishes all those whose jobs have been affected by gal-dem’s closure every success for the future.

1063Mr Jim Bett, Fife Alcohol Support Service

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House commends and congratulates Mr Jim Bett on his retirement from Fife Alcohol Support Service after 28 years of exceptional service; notes that Jim has worked in a variety of roles, most recently as Service Manager for the charity, which has served the people of Fife since 1977 by providing services designed to meet the needs of Fifers affected by alcohol and substance misuse; recognises Jim’s efforts to ensure accessible counselling services are available to thousands of vulnerable people, whilst embodying an ethos of ethical practice, responsible management and securing ongoing funding for this vital service; and wishes him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.

106420th anniversary of shooting of Tom Hurndall

Tabled: 17/04/23 Signatories: 14

Andy McDonald

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

Jeremy Corbyn

Kate Osborne

Nadia Whittome

That this House notes that April 2023 marks twenty years since 22 year old British photojournalist, Tom Hurndall, was shot in the head by an Israeli army sniper as he tried to rescue Palestinian children from the line of gunfire in Gaza; further notes that he died in January 2004 after being in a coma for nine months and that his killer was released after serving just six years in prison; notes that the lenient sentence and the cursory nature of the military investigation which preceded were examples of a culture of impunity in the State of Israel’s use of illegal extra-judicial killings; notes that this culture of impunity remains evident in the actions of illegal settlers and the Israeli army in the Occupied Territories today; and urges the Government to uphold the principle of accountability for war crimes committed in Israel and Palestine no less diligently than it does in relation to those committed elsewhere by reversing its opposition to the International Criminal Court’s investigation into those crimes.

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.

980WestFest

Tabled: 20/03/23 Signatories: 9

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: 33

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: 11

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: 17

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: 7

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: 7

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: 39

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: 5

Mr Virendra Sharma

Jonathan Edwards

Rachael Maskell

John McDonnell

Chris Stephens

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: 18

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.

1008Ingenza: 20th anniversary

Tabled: 24/03/23 Signatories: 6

Owen Thompson

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Allan Dorans

Hannah Bardell

Stewart Hosie

That this House joins Midlothian-based engineering biology firm Ingenza, in celebrating 20 years of innovation; notes that, over the last 20 years, Ingenza has engineered and improved biological systems to help with the production of biofuels, sustainable plastic manufacturing and next-generation coronavirus vaccines; further notes that Ingenza's success is testament to the Midlothian Science Zone, and commends all those working towards pioneering ground-breaking applied bioscience innovations.

1009Genocide Determination Bill [HL]

Tabled: 27/03/23 Signatories: 14

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: 21

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: 14

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.

1018Sarah Hunter MBE

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 14

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.

1022Inverness Business Improvement District

Tabled: 28/03/23 Signatories: 10

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: 12

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: 10

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: 7

Dave Doogan

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Hannah Bardell

Allan Dorans

Stewart Hosie

Jim Shannon

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: 6

Jonathan Edwards [R]

Jim Shannon

Ben Lake

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Chris Stephens

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: 30

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: 49

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: 9

Layla Moran

Alison Thewliss

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

John McDonnell

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: 4

Daisy Cooper

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

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.

1036Wildlife rangers

Tabled: 30/03/23 Signatories: 12

Mr Barry Sheerman

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Kim Johnson

Kenny MacAskill

Christine Jardine

Jonathan Edwards

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: 12

Kim Johnson

Jon Trickett

Sir Mike Penning

Caroline Lucas

Jonathan Edwards

Mr Clive Betts

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: 6

Alison Thewliss

Hannah Bardell

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

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: 5

Kirsten Oswald

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

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: 32

Sir George Howarth

Kim Johnson

Jonathan Edwards

Dan Carden

Nadia Whittome

Apsana Begum

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 60 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: 6

Alison Thewliss

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

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: 8

Caroline Lucas

Apsana Begum

Claire Hanna

John McDonnell

Stewart Hosie

David Mundell

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.