Contents

Published: Wednesday 12 July 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 11 July 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

1451Saudi Arabia child abduction

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Mike Amesbury

That this House notes that Ranem Elkhalidi's seven year-old son Ibrahim Faraj was abducted by her Saudi Arabian estranged ex-husband in November 2022 from a school in Weaver Vale and taken to Saudi Arabia; further notes that Ranem has had no contact with Ibrahim since then; also notes that Ibrahim was born in the UK and only speaks English; recognises that Ranem fears she will never see her son again; notes that Ibrahim's father Hamzah Faraj broke a court order preventing him from taking Ibrahim outside of the UK and is now wanted for child abduction; further notes that an investigation is needed to find out why the court order was not flagged by Border Force when Ibrahim was taken out the country; also notes that before the abduction Ranem requested that the Saudi embassy not issue a passport for Ibrahim; notes that Saudi Arabia is not party to the Hague Convention and that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office cannot enforce the return of a child to the UK; and calls on the Government to work with Saudi authorities to find the best way to bring Ibrahim back to the UK so that he can be reunited with his mother.

1452Holodomor in Ukraine, 1932-1933

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Patricia Gibson

That this House recognises the Holodomor of 1932-33 in Ukraine as a genocide of the Ukrainian people; considers that the Holodomor, literally meaning extermination by hunger, was a deliberate campaign of starvation and violence carried out by the Soviet regime against the people of Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of millions; understands that Holodomor was part of Joseph Stalin’s revolution from above which, from 1932 to 1933, inflicted a terror famine on the collectivised peasants of the Ukraine, Kuban and other areas of high Ukrainian ethnicity; notes that Stalin raised Ukraine’s grain procurement quotas by 44%, meaning there was not enough food to feed the peasants, as the law required that no grain from a collective farm could be given to members until the regime’s quota had been met; understands that, due to the secrecy imposed by the former Soviet Union, it is difficult to know how many perished during the Holodomor of 1932-33; further notes, however, research suggesting up to seven and a half million innocent people may have died as a direct result of the Soviet-imposed famine; further understands that, during the height of the famine, international offers of aid and support were turned down by the regime, while vital food stores were allowed to rot in warehouses under armed guard; is aware that many members of the Ukrainian community in Scotland lost relatives during the Holodomor; and calls on the Russian Federation, as the primary successor of the Soviet Union, to apologise for perpetrating genocide on the Ukrainian people.

1453Derry Minor Footballers, winners of the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Colum Eastwood

That this House wholeheartedly congratulates the Derry Minor Footballers on their outstanding victory over Monaghan in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final, securing their second title within the last four years; recognises and commends the exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the Derry team throughout the match, setting a commendable example for young athletes across the nation; applauds the coaching staff, management and supporters for their unwavering dedication, guidance, and passionate support, which played a vital role in the team's success; celebrates the talented young men who represent Derry, acting as role models for aspiring footballers and inspiring future generations to pursue their sporting dreams; wishes Derry Minor Footballers continued success in their sporting pursuits and encourages them to build upon this achievement; commends the players which were instrumental in Derry's victory; notes the exemplary sportsmanship demonstrated by both Derry and Monaghan throughout the match, further enhancing the reputation of Gaelic football as a sport rooted in fair play and respect; and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavours, both individually and as a team.

1454Archdiocese of Liverpool and the Lourdes centenary year

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 2

Conor McGinn

Mike Amesbury

This House notes the centenary of the first pilgrimage from the Archdiocese of Liverpool to Lourdes; sends warm good wishes to all those from parishes across the Archdiocese taking part in this year’s 100th anniversary pilgrimage; remembers those hundreds of thousands of faithful who have visited the shrine at Lourdes in devotion to Our Lady and Saint Bernadette over the last century; acknowledges the leadership of the Most Reverend Archbishop Malcolm McMahon and thanks him, the Catholic clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese for their faith and witness; and hopes for the continued closeness and co-operation between the Christian Churches in Liverpool and strong relations between all faith communities in the city and region.

1455Democratic governance and transitional justice in The Gambia

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Anne McLaughlin

That this House notes with concern reports that President Adama Barrow in The Gambia may stand for a third Presidential term; further notes that in 2017 when he defeated the incumbent Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled for 22 years, he had promised to step down after three years in office; highlights the importance of the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission’s recommendations to hold perpetrators of crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations committed during Yahya Jammeh’s Presidency to account and enable victims to receive reparations; commends the EU’s recent commitment of €9 million to support, inter alia, The Gambia’s transitional justice process, in partnership with the United Nations and The Gambian Government; urges The Gambian Government to move forward with the creation of a Special Prosecutor's Office and hybrid or internationalised court with the Economic Community of West African States, as well as institutional and constitutional reform to foster democratic governance; and calls on the UK Government, with others in the international community, to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance for a comprehensive and effective justice process and to strengthen democracy in The Gambia.

1456Mr Tom Hubbard

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House commends and applauds the dynamism of Mr Tom Hubbard, the inaugural post-holder of librarian of the Scottish Poetry Library, academic, author and poet, for his broad range of authorship exploring and demonstrating his love for Scotland, Scottish issues and Scottish literature; appreciates that although now retired, Mr Hubbard continues in his efforts to pay homage to the arts across the Langtoun o' Kirkcaldy where he resides; recognises that as an active member of the community he attends local events to perform his poetry encouraging upcoming and seasoned artists, and lovers of the arts, to embrace their passion for creative expression, storytelling and technical proficiency; and celebrates his efforts to encourage citizens across diverse communities to engage in the dynamic sphere of Scottish arts and literature.

1457MPH Group Kirkcaldy, Navien UK and the late Rose Duncan

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House commends Mr Ewan Mclean and Mr Ewan Mclean Jnr of Kirkcaldy-based MPH Group for their Heat 2 Eat charitable initiative; applauds their resourcefulness in seeking the partnership of boiler manufacturer Navien UK to help amplify the impact they have in the local community; recognises the input of Mr Jason Davies, Sales Director Navien UK, and well-loved charity worker the late Rose Duncan in the process of securing this charitable arrangement; appreciates the commitment of both companies in continuing their pledge to donate £100 for every Navien Combi-Crossover boiler installed in Fife for the coming year; and notes that donations from the Heat 2 Eat partnership already exceeds £17,000, helping their nominated charity, Brighter Futures Health Hub, the local area food banks and vulnerable people from across our communities access vital community support.

1458Launch of the Our Story Is One campaign

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House notes the launch of the Our Story Is One campaign; recalls that in 1983 10 Baha’i women were executed for their religious beliefs; observes that this campaign links the 40th anniversary of this infamous event with the increasing loss of life of women and girls in Iran since the killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022; and affirms the goals of the campaign to support gender equality, ending violence against women and freedom of religion or belief in Iran.

145950th anniversary of Meirionnydd Special Riding Group

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Liz Saville Roberts

That this House congratulates Grwp Marchogaeth Arbennig Meirionnydd, Meirionnydd Special Riding Group, who recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with a fun day; notes that the riding group was founded in 1973 by Joan Veevers, a member of the Dolgellau Red Cross Group; celebrates that in 2011 the charity was awarded the Disability Sport Wales club mark; recognises that the charity is run entirely by volunteers which offers horse riding, care and horse therapy to those with additional needs in the Meirionnydd area; further recognises the many benefits of spending time outside for the wellbeing of the young people who attend; and once again congratulates the volunteers and the riders for everything they do and wishes them well with the next 50 years.

1460St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Conor McGinn

That this House congratulates the team behind the creation of the St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry; notes that the pantry now has over 2,500 members across the borough; pays tribute to Jim Housley, Paul Cooper and those who run the project and worked alongside Mission in the Economy, St Helens Council and Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action to secure funding; pays particular attention to the innovative collaboration with Fans Supporting FoodBanks and the Saints Foundation to collect for local foodbanks at rugby league games in St Helens; welcomes such community based efforts rooted in social justice and activism; and encourages support for such initiatives and a commitment to eradicating food poverty in Britain.

1461New all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, Ceredigion

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Ben Lake

That this House celebrates the 159 years of continuous service that has been provided by the RNLI Lifeboats at New Quay Ceredigion; notes with gratitude the 238 lives saved at sea as a result of the bravery and skill of the crew since 1970, and most recently the three lives rescued from the sea during Storm Arwen in 2021, for which all six members of the crew received letters of thanks from the RNLI chairman; acknowledges the invaluable service of the station’s Mersey Class Lifeboat, RNLB Frank and Lena Clifford of Stourbridge; celebrates the arrival of the station’s new Shannon Class Lifeboat, RNLB Roy Barker V; commends the dedication and selflessness of the station’s crew and volunteers; and wishes New Quay RNLI and its volunteers continued success for the future.

1462Welfare organisation for people in Pakistan

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes the numbers of people who have settled in the UK, working and continuing to contribute to society here while not forgetting much less fortunate people in the land of their birth; recognises medical professionals from Pakistan, such as Dr Farman Khan, who have made their home in Northern Ireland working for the NHS in Causeway Hospital that have established and helped run charitable enterprises such as the Khan Welfare Organisation which offers free food, free education and health to underprivileged and orphans; and commends their endeavours and wishes them continuing success in the future.

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.

1377Caernarfon Pride

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 8

Hywel Williams

Liz Saville Roberts

Ben Lake

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Stephens

Mary Kelly Foy

That this House celebrates the success of the first ever Caernarfon Pride, held on 24 June 2023; congratulates Balchder Gogledd Cymru, North Wales Pride for organising the event and for their hard work and dedication to inclusion and diversity in north Wales; praises the work of those involved in officiating the parade and associated celebrations which enabled people from across the region to celebrate and come together; thanks local businesses for their show of support and unity; further notes that although significant progress has been made to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people, there are still improvements to be made to support the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights; and looks forward to future Pride gatherings in Caernarfon in years to come.

1378Gavin's Mill, Scotsman Scran Award

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 8

Amy Callaghan

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Stuart C McDonald

That this House congratulates Gavin’s Mill Café for winning the Hidden Gem category at the Scotsman Scran Awards; recognises the importance and value of their fair trade and sustainability policies; commends them on their range of zero waste goods and local produce which helps to champion local suppliers as well as promote environmentally friendly consumption; thanks the team at Gavin Mill for their hard work and dedication in providing these fantastic services to our community; and further thanks The Scotsman for recognising the importance of promoting these values.

1379Knox Academy's fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates pupils, staff and parents from Knox Academy in Haddington, East Lothian, on raising more than £4,500 by participating in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust; understands that the contenders ran and raised money in support of a student who was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer in October 2022; notes that the goal was to raise £3,000, and that pupils and staff had previously tackled the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in aid of East Lothian Special Needs Play-scheme; commends Kelly McInnes on completing the full marathon, Lana Borwick, Oscar Pirie, Ollie Craig, Alicia Coyle, Jacob Hippie, Connor Wightman, Sam Hutchison, Cain Coles and Calum McBain on completing the half marathon, and Leo Harrison, Rebecca Halliwell, Robert Flood, Olivia Dale, Jenny Wright, Isla Kilkenny, Ellen Davidson, Gemma Scott and Carys McKnight on completing the 10k route; and wishes everyone the very best of luck with their futures and future fundraising efforts.

1380Chris Harvie's fundraising for motor neurone disease charity

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 4

Kenny MacAskill

Chris Stephens

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

That this House commends the fundraising efforts of former Port Seton resident, Chris Harvie, who will cycle from Murrayfield to Malta to raise funds for the MND charity My Name'5 Doddie Foundation; understands that Chris now lives in Manchester and was a craft, design, technology and guidance teacher at Preston Lodge High School; acknowledges that Chris' brother-in-law and a former colleague both passed away after their battles with MND; notes that Chris' journey began in April 2023 and he hopes to conclude his cycle by the end of June 2023; and wishes Chris the very best of luck with his cycle and all the best for the future.

1383Nuclear test veterans

Tabled: 27/06/23 Signatories: 37

Owen Thompson

Carol Monaghan

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Angela Crawley

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kim Johnson

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.

1387Basque peace process and policy on prisoner dispersal

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 20

Sir George Howarth

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

Angus Brendan MacNeil

Kenny MacAskill

Neale Hanvey

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.

1388Graeme Johnston, Scotland's Youth Worker of 2023

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Tim Farron

Marion Fellows

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Graeme Johnston on receiving the prestigious title of Scotland’s Youth Worker of the Year 2023; acknowledges that this recognition builds on Graeme’s previous accolade of Youth Worker of the Year in 2017; understands that the Youth Worker of the Year Awards recognises a youth worker with a passion and dedication to improving the lives of young people through youth work; notes that since Graeme started working with Arran Youth Foundations (AYF) in 2011, he has transformed AYF from a poorly attended youth work project into an award-winning organisation, which provides a range of opportunities for young people on the Isle of Arran; further notes that AYF has achieved exceptional participation levels under Graeme’s leadership, engaging over 200 young people from a school population of fewer than 230; recognises the important role played by Graeme and all the volunteers at AYF in addressing social isolation, exclusion, lack of opportunity and substance abuse in young people by organising counselling and therapy sessions, making referrals to addiction workers and arranging weekly drop-in sessions as well as a summer programme for youths; commends the hard work and dedication of Graeme in enhancing young people’s social, emotional and physical well-being and supporting them to attain, achieve and contribute effectively in their communities while also raising a young family of his own on the mainland; and applauds his commitment, impact and leadership as a youth worker on the Isle of Arran.

1389Performance of Matilda at Coaltown of Balgonie Primary School

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 6

Peter Grant

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the pupils of Primary 6 and Primary 7 in Coaltown of Balgonie Primary School on their outstanding production of Matilda for their end-of-year show; recognises the enormous challenges involved in performing such a complex and difficult show, especially in a school whose entire roll is only about 100 pupils; notes that this meant even the star soloists had to help out in tasks such as moving scenery during the show; thanks all the teachers, parents and other helpers who supported the production in any way; believes that the success of this production will help the pupils to appreciate that there should be no limits to their ambitions for themselves and their community; commends everyone at the school for helping the pupils to develop into such talented and confident young people; and wishes those who will leave the school at the end of June 2023 every success as they move up to secondary education.

1390Baldernock Primary School

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 5

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Margaret Ferrier

That this House celebrates the 150th anniversary of Baldernock Primary School; thanks its teachers, staff and parents for the work they do to educate the children of East Dunbartonshire; notes their work has enabled Baldernock Primary to consistently achieve outstanding standards of pupil performance; applauds the children of Baldernock Primary for the history presentation and percussion performance with which they entertained guests at the anniversary celebration; recognises that Baldernock Primary is part of an unbroken lineage of formal education in the parish going back over four hundred years; credits this fine and ancient school as a testament to Scotland’s proud and unique history of world-class formal education; and wishes the school all good luck for another successful century.

1392Father Paul Lee

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 7

Peter Grant [R]

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Tim Farron

Conor McGinn

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Father Paul Lee of St Agatha’s RC Church in Methil and St Giles’ RC Church in Kennoway on the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood; notes that shortly after his ordination he accepted the responsibility of being the sole priest covering these two geographically large church communities and that he was subsequently given the formal role of parish priest; thanks Father Paul for the energy and dedication with which he has served both the spiritual and corporeal needs of the people of Levenmouth and beyond; and wishes him many more years of devoted and fulfilling service.

1394Lurgan Junior High School

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 3

Carla Lockhart

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

That this House congratulates Lurgan Junior High School U13s and U14s in winning five out of six Mid-Ulster Schools Football competitions; recognises the potential within the teams for future sporting success; and wishes the school community well for its ongoing sporting excellence.

1395Bishopbriggs Acro Gymnastics Club 40th anniversary

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 5

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Alison Thewliss

That this House celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bishopbriggs Acro Gymnastics Club in East Dunbartonshire; acknowledges the work BAGC has done over the decades to promote and encourage Acro Gymnastics as both a competitive and a recreational sport; thanks the club for creating opportunities for young people to engage in healthy and rewarding activities for so many years; applauds the spirit that the club's founders showed by starting such a positive social institution; applauds the resilience that the club has shown by remaining active and relevant through the good times and the bad; and congratulates BAGC and all its members on the fantastic success of its 40th anniversary celebration and wishes them good luck for another fantastic 40 years.

1396The Stables country club, National Bar and Pub Awards

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 5

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Patrick Grady

That this House congratulates The Stables country club on being named best in the county and a national finalist at this year’s National Bar and Pub Awards; recognises that this award is a testament to the accomplishments of The Stables' staff in the areas of food, drink, design, training, team welfare, sustainability, marketing and many others; celebrates the vital role that local pubs play in our communities as sources of employment and of socialisation; considers historic riverside inns such as The Stables, which has served the people of East Dunbartonshire since the Napoleonic Wars, to be a treasured element of our national character that is worth protecting; admires The Stables for creating a family friendly space for the community, with original dishes for patrons of all ages and deserts celebrating classics of children’s literature; and wishes The Stables good luck as it heads to the National Bar and Pub Award finals in London.

1397The Theatre House Bishopbriggs showcase

Tabled: 28/06/23 Signatories: 6

Amy Callaghan

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Stuart C McDonald

Marion Fellows

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the The Theatre House Bishopbriggs on the stellar success of its 2023 Schoolz Out showcase; thanks The Theatre House for its work to give the kids in this year's show and so many others a route to develop their creative passions; is impressed by the talent and dedication demonstrated by the young women who performed in this spectacular showcase; cherishes the role that local musical theatre schools such as The Theatre House play in enriching our cultural and community life; looks forward to next year's season of magnificent musicals; and wishes The Theatre House good luck for its summer camp for little super stars.

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

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 19

Kim Johnson

Ian Mearns

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

Jonathan Edwards

Martin Docherty-Hughes

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.

1402Father Jim Morris

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 9

Steven Bonnar

Mary Kelly Foy

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

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.

1403Miscarriage Association pregnancy loss pledge

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 13

Angela Crawley

Mary Kelly Foy

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Carla Lockhart

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.

140550th anniversary of Haarkapper Hairdressers

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 6

Angela Crawley

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Alison Thewliss

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.

1406Visit of the Bahraini Crown Prince to the UK

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 14

Tony Lloyd

Jonathan Edwards

Kenny MacAskill

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

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.

1407North Edinburgh Arts funding

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 6

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

Jamie Stone

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Wendy Chamberlain

Margaret Ferrier

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.

1410Prescribing of cannabis medicines by general medical practitioners

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 9

Crispin Blunt [R]

Jon Trickett

Jonathan Edwards

Charlotte Nichols

John McDonnell

Caroline Lucas

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.

1412MPC Energy: Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards prize winner

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 6

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Clydebank-based MPC Energy on winning the Renewable Heat Installer/Contractor of the Year prize at the Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards; understands that MPC Energy is known as one of the UK’s most trusted installers of home energy efficiency improvements and that it offers insulation, heating and renewable installations with some of the UK’s top manufacturer products; believes that this award is a testament to the hard work of company director Mark Conroy and his staff as the company continues to expand from its humble beginnings to be a leading business in the energy efficiency industry; wishes MPC Energy well for the future; and thanks MPC Energy for its dedicated and invaluable work in offering services to struggling households.

1413Will Wilson photography exhibition

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 6

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jim Shannon

Allan Dorans

Marion Fellows

Chris Stephens

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Clydebank photographer Will Wilson on securing an exhibition in Clydebank Museum and Gallery in Clydebank Town Hall to showcase his works; understands that the exhibition will be a mixture of scenic, wildlife and concert photographs ranging over a number of years; believes that this is a fantastic achievement for Will and that patrons will be impressed by what is on show; wishes Will well for the future; and looks forward to seeing his future works.

1415Palestinians facing persecution

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 31

Andy McDonald

Crispin Blunt [R]

Tommy Sheppard

Beth Winter

Mary Kelly Foy

Jeremy Corbyn

That this House recognises that the Palestinian people are under unprecedented attack; notes that the Israeli Government, one of the most right-wing in its history, has launched its biggest military incursion in the West Bank in two decades, is announcing thousands of new illegal settlements on a regular basis, continuing with its expulsions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem and Masafer Yatta and its school and home demolitions, and failing to prevent armed settlers from rampaging through Palestinian villages killing, maiming, and attacking Palestinians and destroying homes, mosques, and agricultural lands; is horrified to note that this year in the West Bank alone the Israeli military has killed more than 170 Palestinians, nearly one per day; further notes that the US Administration has publicly criticised the plans for illegal settlement expansion; is dismayed that instead of taking concrete steps to uphold human rights and international law, the British Government seems determined to shield Israel from accountability, as well as companies complicit in its occupation, by legislating to silence those trying to achieve change through peaceful and democratic means; believes that any suggestion that, alone among peoples facing oppression around the world, Palestinians should be singled out and denied the right to appeal to people of conscience for support is not only wrong but runs counter to the UK’s legal obligations and must be rejected; and insists that the ability of public authorities to divest from companies proven to be complicit or responsible for violations of human rights should be defended.

1417Attacks by dogs on postal workers

Tabled: 5/07/23 Signatories: 9

Jim Shannon

Caroline Lucas

Sir Mike Penning

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

That this House notes the rise in attacks by dogs on postal workers throughout the UK and especially in Northern Ireland, where the Royal Mail has stated that the 12 per cent rise in incidents in Northern Ireland is extremely worrying and that there were 1,916 dog attacks on postal workers logged during the year to 31 March 2023; highlights that some postal workers suffered serious injuries; notes that these figures were released at the start of the annual dog awareness week as officials urge owners to take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to postal workers through responsible dog ownership due to the fact that dog attacks on postal workers resulted in more than 3,014 days of absence last year; and urges owners to be mindful of the duties of those who deliver post so we can do all we can to reduce attacks on postal workers.

1418Future of railway ticket offices

Tabled: 5/07/23 Signatories: 18

Claudia Webbe

Caroline Lucas

Jon Trickett

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Zarah Sultana

Apsana Begum

That this House notes with concern the planned mass closure of rail ticket offices, leaving many of the over 1000 train stations unstaffed; recognises that railway ticket office staff are a vital resource for many passengers who might struggle to manage online booking processes and for the security of children, women, disabled and other vulnerable passengers on the rail network; further notes that station staff including ticket office staff are essential to the smooth running of the rail network; agrees with the Royal National Institute for the Blind that the closures would be hugely detrimental to the blind and partially sighted; notes that the future of ticket offices is a key item in the ongoing rail worker dispute; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to reject The Rail Delivery Group’s proposals in full.

1419Sky lanterns and balloon releases

Tabled: 5/07/23 Signatories: 7

Mohammad Yasin

Sir Mike Penning

Chris Stephens

John McDonnell

Jonathan Edwards

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House is concerned about the potential environmental impact of sky lantern and balloon releases, particularly in relation to marine wildlife such as dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds; notes the particular fire hazard associated with sky lanterns and recognises the important work of the Marine Conservation Society in campaigning for a ban on sky lantern and balloon releases; further notes those local authorities which have implemented a regional ban and calls upon the UK Government to ban sky lanterns and balloon releases.

1420Third anniversary of the Bow crane collapse

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 10

Apsana Begum

John McDonnell

Jon Trickett

Richard Burgon

Ian Lavery

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House notes with deepest regret that 8 July 2023 marks three years since the tragic death of June Harvey after a tower crane fell on her house in Bow in 2020; notes with sadness other fatalities as a result of crane collapses; pays tribute to construction safety campaigns, largely led by bereaved relatives and trade unions; and calls on the Government to ensure that legislation and guidance regulating cranes are robust and that the Health and Safety Executive has the resources for vigorous enforcement.

1421Retirement of Professor Medwin Hughes CBE

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 2

Jonathan Edwards

Margaret Ferrier

That this House pays tribute to the contribution of Professor Medwin Hughes, who will retire from his post as Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Trinity St David and Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales at the end of July 2023; notes that Professor Hughes is Wales’ longest serving Vice Chancellor, following 23 years of service; notes that Professor Hughes has reshaped the higher education landscape in Wales; further notes his contribution in preserving Carmarthen and Lampeter as university towns; welcomes the appointment of Professor Elwen Evans KC to replace Professor Hughes; and looks forward to witnessing the continuing transformative journeys of both institutions and their contributions to higher education in Wales.

1423Craig Burns and the National Recognising Skills and Achievement Award 2023

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 4

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates Mr Craig Burns from North Ayrshire's Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme on being awarded the National Recognising Skills and Achievement Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends Mr Burns for successfully leading the growth of the Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme and doubling the number of apprentices who achieve their qualifications, making it a sought-after opportunity for young people transitioning from school; recognises Mr Burns unwavering commitment and support for young people, which has made him not only a boss but also a friend and confidant; and appreciates Mr Burns unique approach to nurturing talent which has contributed to the success of North Ayrshire's Modern Apprenticeship Youth Work Programme and the positive impact it has on providing opportunities for young people.

1424Community Learning and Development New Scots Team in North Ayrshire

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 5

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates the Community Learning and Development New Scots Team in North Ayrshire on being awarded the National Equality and Diversity Award at the prestigious Scottish National Youth Work Awards 2023; commends the team for playing a pivotal role in supporting young refugees in their journey of integration, providing essential guidance and fostering a sense of community; appreciates that their efforts have resulted in the establishment of thriving girls groups and empowering conversations about democratic processes for the Syrian community; and commends the team's dedication and passion for creating a positive experience for young people coming to North Ayrshire as New Scots, which has earned them this well-deserved accolade.

1426Bullying and respect at work

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 22

Rachael Maskell

Ian Mearns

Kim Johnson

Charlotte Nichols

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Caroline Lucas

That this House notes that 15 per cent of people have experienced bullying at work in the UK which is not related to any protected characteristic; observes that this amounts to 4.9 million people employed in the UK; further notes that the Health and Safety Executive highlights that 17 million days of work were lost last year due to work related stress, depression or anxiety; believes that bullying at work can have a significant impact on someone’s mental health and can lead to the loss of employment for the target of the bullying; further notes that workplace conflict is costing UK companies £28.5 billion each year; and calls on the Government to provide for a statutory definition of bullying at work, no matter the workplace or employment status, to enable people to bring their case to an Employment Tribunal, to give the Equality and Human Rights Commission new powers to investigate organisations and to take enforcement action where there is evidence of bullying and to establish and promote a respect at work code to set minimum standards for positive and respectful work environments.

1427Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch Community Garden

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 3

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates North Ayrshire group, Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch, on achieving an outstanding rating for its work on Beith's Community Garden in the It’s Your Neighbourhood report from the Keep Scotland Beautiful charity; acknowledges that this recognition builds on the group’s previous achievement of receiving an outstanding rating from Keep Scotland Beautiful in 2019; further acknowledges that It’s Your Neighbourhood is designed to reward volunteer-led community groups which are cleaning and beautifying their neighbourhoods, measured against criteria including community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening achievement; notes that Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch is a local community group established in 2007 by Norrie and Rose Brown to seek to reduce anti-social behaviour; understands that the group’s impact has been extensive, organising community concerts and events, including an annual BBQ and Christmas Buffet evening, arranging an annual litter pick and delivering a community garden project; recognises their efforts in helping to foster a greater sense of community spirit in their town, making Beith a more environmental friendly and beautiful place through the group’s work in creating a thriving, colourful community garden with local stakeholders, which contains flowers that attract pollinators, wood carvings, bird boxes, fruit trees and vegetable planters made from recycled material; notes the positive health and well-being impacts of the community garden, which reduces isolation and improves community connections; and applauds Norrie and Rose Brown and all the volunteers who work tirelessly to provide the sanctuary of this garden in the centre of Beith.

1428Profits and inflation

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 23

Debbie Abrahams

Jon Trickett

Dan Carden

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Olivia Blake

That this House notes the Bank of England’s decision in June to increase interest rates to five per cent, the 13th consecutive rise; believes that while inflation must be reduced and contained, ordinary British people are not the drivers of inflation, including core inflation, and that there is evidence of profiteering by some banks and businesses; and resolves to ask the Financial Conduct Authority as the regulator of the banking industry to investigate (a) potential profiteering by some banks, for example, an extra £7 billion in profits directly from interest rate rises was reported in March from the big four banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Nat West, (b) the guidance banks will be required to issue to borrowers, for example, temporary switches to interest only mortgage payments and lengthening the term of their mortgage period, (c) actions taken by banks under the Mortgage Charter to ameliorate repayment increases and (d) actions taken by banks to compensate savers after interest rate increases.

1429Support for Sporting Heritage

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 7

Alyn Smith

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Richard Burgon

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

That this House believes that the preservation of sporting heritage is a vitally important strand of cultural work in the public, private and third-sector; also believes that the collection, maintenance and presentation of photographs, documents, records and memorabilia relating to sporting achievements, participants and institutions form a key part of a local community’s story; and welcomes the efforts of the Sporting Heritage organisation, who take forward campaigns and efforts to promote local, regional and national collaboration in this sector.

1430Job sharing

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 4

Wera Hobhouse

John McDonnell

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House welcomes the release of Empower’s Job Sharing: Redefining Work, Doubling Impact report; acknowledges the opportunities job-sharing presents for women by facilitating reductions in workplace inequalities and closes the gender pay gap; highlights the benefits this form of flexible working offers employees and employers, such as increased organisational productivity, boosting morale, and creating more diverse senior leadership teams; and calls on the Government to support the incentivisation of job-sharing opportunities by reducing cost barrier through introducing a reduction on Employer’s National Insurance contributions for employees in job shares.

143130th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

This House celebrates the 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston; recognises the company's track record of supporting and bolstering the local economy by employing over 1,800 people and through major projects like its new Ecodan heat pump; applauds the company’s commitment to not only the local economy but the local people through events like the Pump It Up Challenge Day, which encourages secondary school pupils to use their STEM knowledge to create sustainable solutions to the climate crisis; congratulates the factory on producing its five millionth product; thanks the Mitsubishi team, staff and supporters that continue to work on their pioneering work and the successful running of the Livingston factory over the last 30 years; and wishes them all the best for their next 30 years and beyond.

1432Givit Youth Recovery Service

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House commends Givit Youth Recovery Service on its work supporting 13 to 25-year-olds affected by problematic alcohol and substance abuse; notes that it collaborates with The Beacons in Cambuslang and Blantyre; further notes that its services are the first of their kind in Scotland offering a blend of youth work, CBT counselling and a fully supported recovery model; thanks all those who contribute to this ground-breaking work; and wishes it the best in its future endeavours.

1433Hugh Black & Sons

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Hugh Black & Sons on being shortlisted for three awards at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2023; highlights that the butchers are finalists in the Scotch Brand Product of the Year category, the Meat Product of the Year category and the Best for Scottish - Multiple Retailer category; notes that the family-run business will rub shoulders with major supermarkets in the third category; commends Hugh Black & Sons on its dedication to its craft; and wishes it the very best at the event in September.

1434Burnhill Action Group

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates the young members of Burnhill Action Group who raised £157 for Glasgow Women’s Aid; notes that the children held a jumble sale as part of Big Green Week in order to raise this money; further notes that the funds will be used to support women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse; thanks the children for their hard work, generosity, and community spirit; and looks forward to seeing what else they achieve in the future.

1435Rutherglen Glencairns Under 18s Football Club

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Rutherglen Glencairns Under 18s Football Club on becoming U18 Plate Final champions; commends the team, manager and coaches for their hard work and dedication; praises Glory Katongo, Charlie Slaven and Frankie Walls Jnr on scoring the goals that left their team triumphant; and wishes all the club’s players, staff and supporters the very best for next season.

1436Winners of the Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities grant

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates all of the winners of he Asda Foundation’s Empowering Local Communities grant in South Lanarkshire: Tact Healthy Park, Blantyre Youth Development Team, Hyper Cyber Youth Project, Priestfield Senior Citizens Hall Committee, Drumsagard Football Club, and Priestfield Boxing Club; notes that each winner has received funding that they will use to boost their operations; wishes all winners the very best in their future endeavours; and commends Asda for its investment into organisations that benefit their local communities.

1437Kieran and Kyle McLatchie

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Kieran and Kyle McLatchie, from Rutherglen High School, on winning second place in the 14-16s category of the British Nutrition Foundation’s Healthy Eating Week competition; notes that it was the pair’s healthy vegetable fried rice recipe that earned them this title; and commends the British Nutrition Foundation on its work in promoting cooking and healthy eating among young people.

1438Cambuslang Harriers

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Chris McLew, Gavin Smith and Jamie MacKinnon of Cambuslang Harriers on breaking the Scottish Senior 3 x 800M Relay Record; recognises the hard work, talent and dedication of each of these athletes; notes that the record had stood for 11 years; and wishes them and their club the very best for the future.

1439Jack Brady

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 3

Margaret Ferrier

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House congratulates Jack Brady, of Rutherglen Boys Brigade, on achieving the Queen's Badge; notes that this award is the highest honour achievable within the Boys Brigade; highlights that over two years Jack completed various challenges and volunteering hours to earn said honour; praises his hard work and dedication; and wishes him the best in his journey to becoming a Young Leader for the Boys Brigade in September.

1440Burnbank Community Hub

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 4

Margaret Ferrier

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

That this House commends the Gilmour and Whitehill Parish Church, the Burnbank Community Hub, and its volunteers for their important work in the community; notes that between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 their Friday foodbank has given out 1,610 food bags and has fed 1,884 people; highlights that the hub hosts various events and groups such as the Memories Tearoom, the Lyndale Club, Rainbows, Brownies and Girl Guides; thanks the many people who give back to their community through the Burnbank Community Hub; and wishes them the best for their future endeavours.

1441Poverty truth commissions

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 11

Rebecca Long Bailey

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Rachael Maskell

Nadia Whittome

Ian Lavery

That this House commends the role of poverty truth commissions in bringing people who have lived experience of the struggle against poverty directly into decision making about tackling poverty; acknowledges that those with lived experience have often been left out of policy making, even though their perspective and insight can rule out ineffective proposals and suggest new, powerful solutions; calls for the Government and all policy makers to engage with local poverty truth commissions and the Poverty Truth Network with due seriousness and urgency given the cost of living crisis; wishes success to Salford Poverty Truth Commission’s second round of work launched June 2023, following a highly impactful first round launched in 2016; and gives thanks to everyone involved both past and present in all poverty truth commissions.

1442Your Good Home magazine and lived experience co-production

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 10

Rebecca Long Bailey

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

Rachael Maskell

Nadia Whittome

This House commends the recently-launched Your Good Home magazine, which is the outcome from a lived experience co-production project produced by young Salfordians who have experienced the housing system and temporary accommodation and are trying to make a safe and happy home for the first time, facilitated by the social enterprise Unlimited Potential and Salford City Council; and calls on the Government, local authorities and other policy makers to fund and utilise co-production projects as powerful resources for learning from those with lived experience, as a source of proposed effective, locally driven and creative solutions that work for the benefit of their local constituents and communities.

1443Infected Blood scheme second interim compensation payment

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 6

Sir Mike Penning

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises that the Government has acted on the recommendations set out in the first interim report of the Infected Blood Inquiry, with interim compensation payments made to individuals infected by infected blood; further recognises that interim compensation payments to bereaved partners and families affected by the infected blood scandal are under active consideration; and calls on the Government to further recognise the extreme urgency and life-limiting situation facing individuals who received and were infected by infected blood and make an immediate second interim compensation payment.

1444OSI Renewables and Scotland's energy potential

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 7

Martyn Day

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

That this House congratulates OSI Renewables, an engineering business headquartered in West Lothian, that has received four Spotlight on New Technology® awards from the offshore Technology Conference in Houston Texas, which span O&G, Deepsea Minerals and Floating Wind, a Hart Energy award, and Scottish Engineering’s Innovation Excellence Award 2023; commends its over forty years' experience in delivering solutions to the offshore energy market; further commends its accomplishment in designing an offshore wind turbine foundation named F-TLP, which targets the Floating Wind market sector; welcomes the foundation’s unique design that could generate a revenue of between 1.2 and 1.5 billion pounds per year; and celebrates its investment in harnessing Scotland's renewable energy potential.

1445Treatment of slave monkeys in Thailand

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Margaret Ferrier

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House unequivocally condemns animal cruelty in Thailand, where pig-tailed macaques are forced to labour as coconut-picking machines, harvesting hundreds of coconuts every day; notes that the macaques are tied to ropes which their handlers yank to control them; is concerned that the macaques suffer a range of barbaric and cruel treatments, as documented by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals; deplores the fact that many of the young macaques have their teeth removed to prevent them from biting their abusers; acknowledges that these curious, highly intelligent animals are denied psychological stimulation, companionship and freedom, which leads to depression and trauma; is deeply concerned that the two breeds of pig-tailed macaques used in coconut farms are registered as vulnerable and endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list; approves of the decision by British retailers to join a boycott of all Thai-made coconut products, which has led Waitrose, Co-op, Boots, Ocado and Morrisons to remove or to vow to remove products using monkey labour in the supply chain; applauds the fact that 45,000 stores operated by leading international retail chains across the United States and Europe have halted all sales of coconut milk from certain suppliers, with HelloFresh the latest international business to drop Thai coconut milk completely; and urges the Government to condemn the exploitation and abuse of these vulnerable and endangered creatures and to work with industry and international partners to consign the use of cruel monkey labour to the history books.

1446Thistle Du Florist, Darvel

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 4

Alan Brown

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

This House congratulates Thistle Du Florist, an exceptional family business in Darvel, for their outstanding accomplishment as the prestigious Wedding Florist of the Year 2023/2024 in the Prestige Awards; acknowledges their commitment to delivering customer service; celebrates their dedication to excellence, creativity, and positive impact on the local community; commends Thistle Du for their support for and involvement in many wider community events and initiatives; and wishes Heather Martin and Thistle Du every success going forward as an embedded community business.

1447Craigyhill bonfire

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 2

Sammy Wilson

Jim Shannon

This House congratulates the people of Craigyhill and Larne on building the world's biggest bonfire reaching a height of over 210 feet; notes that this is a joint community effort involving both Protestants and Catholics; is disappointed at the lack of support from officers of the Mid and East Antrim council for the venture but observes that despite the unwillingness to provide bins, the organisers have kept the site clean and safe; welcomes the thousands of people who have already visited Larne to see the bonfire and the spending which they have generated in the local area; believes that this amazing feat of engineering should be included in the Guinness book of records; and recognises that this is an effective way of drawing attention to the July celebrations in Northern Ireland remembering the Glorious Williamite Revolution on which present day democratic institutions are built.

1448Royal British Legion Credit their Service campaign

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 6

Patricia Gibson

Jonathan Edwards

Jim Shannon

Patrick Grady

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

That this House recognises that veterans are an asset to society and deserve the best possible care and support in recognition of the service they have given and the sacrifices they have made; considers that those veterans and their families who have experienced pain and loss as a result of their or a loved ones' service in HM Armed Forces are rightly compensated; notes that under the current system, compensation has been awarded to 150,000 Armed Forces veterans and their families for the pain and loss they endured in service, 12,000 of whom live in Scotland; believes it is unfair and unreasonable that this compensation is regarded as income when undergoing welfare benefits means testing; understands that this contrasts with Civil Service awards, such as personal injury compensation, which are typically exempt from such welfare benefits means testing; acknowledges that this has led to the most financially vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the Armed Forces community being denied the support enjoyed by their civilian counterparts, causing those affected significant financial loss each year; commends the Royal British Legion and Poppy Scotland for their campaign Credit their Service for highlighting this injustice; and calls on the Government to amend benefit regulations to ensure that no member of the Armed Forces community has their compensation treated as income when undergoing welfare benefits means testing.

1449Pay in the North East

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 20

Kate Osborne

Jonathan Edwards

Grahame Morris

Claudia Webbe

Jim Shannon

Jon Trickett

That this House notes the Trades Union Congress (TUC) analysis which shows that the North East still has the lowest average weekly earnings of any region in the UK; notes the analysis reveals workers in the North East region earn 7% less, on average, than the UK median wage; further notes that, in some parts of the North East this pay gap is even wider; agrees that the findings show the devastating impact that years of wage stagnation have had on workers in the North East; further agrees with the statement that workers are facing a real pay emergency with real wages worth less in the North East than they were in 2010; and welcomes the TUC's call to tax wealth and the wealthy, not workers.