Published: Tuesday 4 July 2023

New EDMs

1401Support for DHL workers taking strike action on Avanti West Coast

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 2

Kim Johnson

Ian Mearns

That this House supports rail workers providing catering stores to Avanti West Coast, who are taking strike action in support of their campaign for a fair pay offer from their employer DHL; notes that RPI inflation stands at 11.3 per cent, that interest rates are at 5 per cent and that these workers, like other workers in Britain, are facing a cost-of-living crisis; further notes that these workers have been refused a pay rise this year in spite of the cost-of-living crisis and despite their employer paying out £1.7 billion in dividends to its shareholder and Avanti, which controls the contract, paying out £13.5 million to its FirstGroup parent company last year; is dismayed that these companies are putting the interests of their shareholders over their workers; and calls on the companies involved to settle this dispute by making a pay offer to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

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1402Father Jim Morris

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Steven Bonnar

That this House congratulates Father Jim Morris, Parish Priest of St Gabriel’s Viewpark, on the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood; notes that he was ordained on 29 June 1973 in St Edward’s Airdrie and that he served as an Assistant Priest in St Bride’s East Kilbride, St Ignatius’ Wishaw and St Columba’s Viewpark, and finally at St Gabriel’s since 1992; thanks him for his commitment, services and friendship to the community and to his Parish; and wishes him all the very best for the future.

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1403Miscarriage Association pregnancy loss pledge

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House commends the progress of the Miscarriage Association’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge; congratulates them on reaching the milestone of 600,000 employees being covered by the pledge, including staff of 11 Scottish Councils and large organisations such as TSB, The Co-op and The Princes Trust; appreciates the positive impact that this will have for thousands of employees who are tragically affected by pregnancy loss; condemns workplace discrimination against people affected by pregnancy loss; recognises that, while many employers wish to support their employees, they often do not have the knowledge or resources to do so; encourages the Government to legislate for paid miscarriage leave to ensure that no one is left behind; and further encourages all hon. Members to sign the pregnancy loss pledge.

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140450th anniversary of Ceredigion Museum

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Ben Lake

That this House celebrates the 50th anniversary of Ceredigion Museum; recognises the museum as an award winning, innovative and welcoming museum in the heart of Wales, with a track record of creative development and engagement; praises the museum’s ambitious Perthyn project, which explores how the museum’s collections can create community in Ceredigion; applauds the museum’s contribution to the county’s cultural and artistic life and for its strengthening of a sense of community and place by promoting Ceredigion’s collective heritage; thanks the team at Ceredigion Museum for their dedicated work over the last 50 years; and wishes them well for the next 50 years.

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140550th anniversary of Haarkapper Hairdressers

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Angela Crawley

That this House congratulates Haarkapper Hairdressers in Larkhall on their 50th anniversary in business; recognises that the salon was established by Margaret Davidson in 1973 and has gone from strength to strength over the last half century; further celebrates the success of this family business which has been run since Margaret’s retirement by her daughter Avril Wilson; remembers Margaret’s late daughter Sandra Cooper who worked in the salon from a young age and ran the business jointly with her sister; commends the dedicated team of staff past and present for all their hard work in providing a quality service to the people of Larkhall; and sends best wishes to everyone at Haarkapper.

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1406Visit of the Bahraini Crown Prince to the UK

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Tony Lloyd

That this House is concerned about the visit by Bahraini Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to the UK; highlights the continued detention of an estimated 1,200 political prisoners, including Abdulwahab Hussain, Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, Sheikh Ali Salman, Hassan Mushaima and Abduljalil Al-Singace; further notes reports of mistreatment and denial of medical treatment of some political prisoners; condemns the wider context of repression in Bahrain; reiterates misgivings about death penalty convictions, some of which may be carried out imminently, further to allegations of coerced confessions and other serious violations of fair trial rights; and calls on the UK Government during meetings with the Crown Prince to press for the release of all political prisoners, an urgent review of the death penalty convictions and the reinstatement of the de facto moratorium on judicial executions, and to ensure that any free trade agreement concluded with the Gulf Cooperation Council includes human rights protections and benchmarks.

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1407North Edinburgh Arts funding

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates North Edinburgh Arts (NEA) on their award of £250,000 in the first round of Community Ownership Fund bidding; notes that the charity provides over 30 hours of activities a week for all ages across the Muirhouse community; further understands that the grant will be used to expand the space available for NEA activities at their new MacMillan Hub, provide space for other community organisations and a community café and improve energy efficiency; and wishes North Edinburgh Arts all the best for the construction of the new Hub.

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1408Actions of the Israeli government in the Occupied Territories

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Colum Eastwood

This House condemns the ongoing actions of the Israeli government in the Occupied Territories, including the expansion of settlements, demolitions of Palestinian homes, forced evictions, and discriminatory policies that perpetuate the violation of Palestinian human rights; further condemns the Israeli government's failure to comply with international law, including United Nations Security Council resolutions recognising the illegality of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; further acknowledges that these settlements undermine the prospects for a just and lasting peace in the region, creating obstacles to a two-State solution and exacerbating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians; recognises the urgent need for meaningful international action to address the situation; urges the Government to take stronger measures to ensure Israeli compliance with international law, including through economic and diplomatic means; and reiterates support for efforts to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiations between all parties involved, with the aim of achieving a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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140975th anniversary of the NHS

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that our NHS will this week reach the 75th anniversary of its creation; highlights that over 1.5 million people are treated daily in the UK; notes that the NHS touches all our lives and is undoubtedly a national treasure; takes this opportunity not simply to look back over the last seven decades but also takes time to say thank you to every doctor, nurse, healthcare assistant, receptionist, consultant, porter, cleaner, cook and every dedicated member of NHS staff who go above and beyond to preserve and protect our health and wellbeing; further notes how patient safety is at the centre of everything the NHS does and salutes how it has been able to adapt with time and learn new ways of medicine; and once again affirms our commitment to adequate funding for the provision of the free healthcare to every British citizen, which is the envy of the world.

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1410Prescribing of cannabis medicines by general medical practitioners

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 1

Crispin Blunt [R]

That this House notes that the Government allowed specialist medical practitioners to be able to prescribe cannabis medicines in 2018, but excluded general medical practitioners, despite their core role in supporting patients in their communities; further notes that, annually, around 20,000 patients obtain private prescriptions for medical cannabis, but just 1,000 have NHS prescriptions and that there are many more who access the illicit market to obtain cannabis for medical reasons; and calls on the Government to take the necessary steps to allow general medical practitioners to have the same medical cannabis prescribing rights as specialist medical practitioners.

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.

1344Prescription charges

Tabled: 19/06/23 Signatories: 16

Margaret Greenwood

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Jon Trickett

Kim Johnson

Douglas ChapmanIan Mearns

That this House welcomes the latest report from the Prescription Charges Coalition entitled Continuing to pay the price published in March 2023 which demonstrates that vital medicine is unaffordable for many people living with long-term health conditions in England and that there has been an increase in the number of people taking time off work because they are unable to afford their medicine; is concerned that the report shows that the NHS services which people rely on are overstretched; restates its commitment to the NHS as a universal service free at the point of need and its belief that access to medication is a fundamental right; is deeply concerned that increased NHS waiting times are likely to leave people with long-term conditions relying on medication longer to manage their pain and health conditions; expresses its concern that some patients are not collecting prescriptions that they need because of the cost; and calls on the Government to scrap prescription charges.

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1362Young Lives vs Cancer report

Tabled: 21/06/23 Signatories: 19

Sir George Howarth

Charlotte Nichols

Jonathan Edwards

Rebecca Long Bailey

Amy Callaghan

Ian Lavery

Barry Gardiner

That this House notes the Young Lives vs Cancer report entitled Running on Empty which explores the costs that young cancer patients and their families face when travelling for treatment; expresses concern at the finding in the report that it costs young cancer patients and their families on average £250 per month and, depending on their location, can be far higher in some cases; expresses strong concern that, consequently, 27 per cent are having to cut back on food, 20 per cent are falling behind in paying bills, 20 per cent are having to sell their possessions, 10 per cent are having to delay or miss treatment and, in some cases, are having to give up their homes as they are unable to meet housing costs; further notes the report's conclusion that the current support available is inadequate with only 12 per cent of families receiving any support to cover travel costs; draws attention to the report's conclusion that, cumulatively, this can have significant negative impacts on young cancer patients and their families' financial security, health and well-being and future prosperity, leaving them running on empty; and supports Young Lives vs Cancer's call for the establishment of a Government-funded young cancer patient travel fund to address this unfairness.

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1369Apprentices and the Living Wage

Tabled: 26/06/23 Signatories: 6

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

Chris Stephens

Caroline Lucas

Ian Lavery

That this House recognises the challenges faced by apprentices, especially at this time of high inflation and a cost of living crisis, notes that four out of five apprentices surveyed by the NUS required additional assistance to cover their living expenses, often resorting to credit cards or personal savings due to their low wages, notes that 64 per cent of apprentices said that their wage did not cover the cost of their energy bills and 59 per cent said it did not comfortably cover their cost of living, further notes that Workpays, a prominent training provider, states that low pay is deterring potential candidates from pursuing apprenticeships, recognises The Withers review which states that low wages are reducing the attractiveness of apprenticeships; further recognises that analysis by FE Week of the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website revealed that 50 per cent of intermediate level apprenticeships were advertised at the then legal minimum wage of £4.81 per hour; and calls on the Government to support the recommendation of the NUS, the National Society of Apprentices, the TUC and the Government’s own Social Mobility Commission, that apprentices should be paid the Real Living Wage.

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1376Death of Craig Brown CBE

Tabled: 26/06/23 Signatories: 51

Gavin Newlands

Stephen Flynn

Mhairi Black

Alan Brown

Marion Fellows

Allan Dorans

Ian Mearns

That this House notes the sad passing of legendary Scotland Men’s Team Manager Craig Brown CBE who passed away at the age of 82; notes the regard he is held in across the football community, particularly the Tartan Army who hold him in the highest esteem; acknowledges that Craig was an excellent young footballer who was signed by Rangers, Dundee FC and Falkirk before calling time on his playing career after signing for, but never playing for Stranraer; further notes that Craig started his managerial career as an assistant at Motherwell before becoming the part-time manager of Clyde FC; recognises that he returned to football full-time as Scotland men’s team assistant manager, having been appointed after Sir Alex Ferguson had asked him to assist him at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986; observes that he assumed the position of Scotland manager in 1993 leading Scotland into two tournaments Euro 96 and World Cup 98, accepts that despite the memorable 1-0 win over England at the old Wembley Stadium in 1999, Scotland would fall one goal short and fail to qualify for Euro 2000 and Craig would resign two years later, becoming the longest serving Scotland manager; further acknowledges that Craig went on to manage Preston North End, Motherwell and Aberdeen before retiring, disagrees with Craig Brown when he stated that he was the luckiest guy in Scottish football, as it was Scottish football that was lucky to have him; and conveys deepest sympathies to his friends and family.

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1383Nuclear test veterans

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 31

Owen Thompson

Carol Monaghan

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Angela Crawley

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kim Johnson

Douglas Chapman

That this House acknowledges the treatment of nuclear test veterans in Scotland and the rest of the UK; notes their continuing battle for justice and recognition for their role; further notes with disappointment the latest delay to the issuing of a medal to these veterans; further acknowledges their ongoing anger and frustration; affirms the nation’s duty of care to this group of people; further applauds the works of Labrats International, a campaigning group for descendants of atomic testing programs across the world; and backs calls to the Government to fully support these veterans and their families.

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1387Basque peace process and policy on prisoner dispersal

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 8

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Kenny MacAskill

Neale Hanvey

Allan DoransAlan Brown

That this House welcomes news of the end of the policy of prisoner dispersal applied to Basque politically motivated prisoners for over 30 years and that the remaining 156 prisoners are now held in jails in the Basque country; agrees that this is a positive step towards a lasting and just peace in the Basque country, Spain, France and Western Europe as a whole; finds this news particularly topical in the context of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and the successful peace-building measures it enabled, such as the prisoner release scheme; notes that peace efforts in the Basque country and elsewhere have taken inspiration from the latter; commends the efforts of the many people, organisations and institutions who have worked over the years to achieve peace in the Basque country; calls for outstanding issues to be addressed in a positive and comprehensive manner, including the ongoing application of standard penitentiary law to remaining prisoners; commits to follow events in the Basque country and to work so that peace takes firm root and the events of the past never happen again; and urges the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to encourage such efforts.

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1399Working conditions of rail workers employed by Carlisle Support Services

Tabled: 29/06/23 Signatories: 8

Cat Smith

Ian Mearns

Grahame Morris

Kate Hollern

Charlotte Nichols

Mick Whitley

Ian Lavery

That this House pays tribute to the important public-facing work of outsourced Revenue and Gateline staff employed by Carlisle Support Services on Northern Trains stations; notes with concern that these staff are enduring a rising tide of passenger violence, including cases of serious assault; is dismayed that these keyworkers are employed on exploitative annualised hours contracts that guarantee them only a small proportion of their rostered hours, leaving them in perpetual fear of losing hours of work if they raise issues in their workplace; is shocked to learn that despite working alongside Gateline staff directly employed by Northern Trains Ltd, Carlisle Support Services staff have vastly inferior contracts, pay rates and conditions; believes that Carlisle Support Services workers should have proper employment contracts that reflect their normal rostered hours as well as sick pay and travel facilities equivalent to Northern Trains staff; calls on Carlisle to negotiate improved pay and conditions with the RMT without delay and further calls on Northern Trains to bring these workers in-house when the contract ends and employ them directly..

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1400Age discrimination

Tabled: 29/06/23 Signatories: 4

Tim Farron

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises ageism as a form of discrimination that has no place in a modern society; notes that the exclusion of skilled older people from the workforce is a blight on the economy and deprives the workforce of both highly-skilled and experienced workers; further notes that research by workingwise.co.uk found that two-fifths of older workers have experienced age discrimination at work and that 84 per cent said that it was harder to get shortlisted for jobs because of their age; urges age to be upheld just as firmly as any other protected characteristic; recognises that ill health is also a major barrier to older people joining the workforce; and believes that fixing the NHS social care crisis would be a key way to unlock the potential of the older workforce.