Contents

Published: Friday 14 July 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Thursday 13 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

1470School libraries and librarians

Tabled: 13/07/23 Signatories: 1

Margaret Greenwood

That this House recognises the importance of encouraging children to enjoy books from an early age and of developing a culture of reading for pleasure in schools; notes that evidence suggests that school libraries lead to better literacy and educational outcomes, higher attainment, improved wellbeing and contribute to the delivery of a well-rounded education; further notes that school libraries can play a part in improving outcomes for children with special educational needs; is concerned that, according to the 2023 report by the Great School Libraries campaign, 14% of primary schools in the UK do not have a library, while even where provision exists, most primary schools use their library space for other purposes; is further concerned that the same report revealed the number of UK secondary schools with a library on site has dropped by 10% since 2019; acknowledges that there is significant variation across the UK in terms of school library provision and that this is leading to restricted reading choices for children; believes that urgent work must be done across the UK to enable school leaders to develop school libraries so that pupils can take advantage of the benefits they can deliver in relation to learning, reading, writing, wellbeing and happiness; and further believes that every school in the UK should have a library with access to a professional librarian, library staff or a schools library service.

1471Debate on the Intelligence and Security Committee's report on China

Tabled: 13/07/23 Signatories: 3

Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Sir William Cash

Mr David Davis

That this House ensures that the Intelligence and Security Committee Report on China, published on 13 July 2023, is debated on the floor of the House of Commons before the House rises on Thursday 20 July 2023.

1472Thames Water London effluent reuse scheme

Tabled: 13/07/23 Signatories: 1

Sarah Olney

That this House acknowledges the potential impacts of Thames Water’s plans for a water recycling scheme near Teddington Lock; recognises that this stretch of the Arcadian Thames is often referred to as London’s countryside and is home to important animal and plant life that is rare in an urban environment; expresses concern that comprehensive environmental impact assessments have not yet been published despite the scheme being progressed; notes that the river abstraction is only required because of Thames Water’s failure to maintain and invest in its pipe network and supply infrastructure; further notes that the construction sites for the Teddington Direct River Abstraction will cause damage and destruction to acres of local nature reserve and parkland; further expresses concern over the impacts of the scheme on thousands of recreational and commercial river users of this part of the Thames, including boat clubs, paddleboarders and wild swimmers; and calls on the Government to advance alternative drought resilience proposals.

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.

1402Father Jim Morris

Tabled: 3/07/23 Signatories: 10

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: 14

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: 7

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.

1412MPC Energy: Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards prize winner

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 7

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: 7

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: 36

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.

1418Future of railway ticket offices

Tabled: 5/07/23 Signatories: 19

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.

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

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 6

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Alison Thewliss

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

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: 6

Dr Philippa Whitford

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

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.

1425Pets in temporary accommodation

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 7

Mohammad Yasin

Jon Trickett

John McDonnell

Richard Burgon

Apsana Begum

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

That this House recognises how pets enrich lives, providing emotional support and bringing great joy to responsible owners; further recognises the proposed changes to legislation set out in the Government's Renter's Reform Bill around pets and tenancies; notes that if the Bill is passed, landlords may only refuse pets in exceptional circumstances; and calls on the Government to extend this provision to social housing, and specifically temporary and emergency provisions, and to provide full financial support to local authorities to facilitate the change.

1427Beith Orr Park Neighbourhood Watch Community Garden

Tabled: 6/07/23 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

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: 25

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: 11

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.

143130th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 6

Hannah Bardell

Jim Shannon

Chris Stephens

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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.

1441Poverty truth commissions

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 12

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: 12

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.

1444OSI Renewables and Scotland's energy potential

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 10

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: 12

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: 6

Alan Brown

Jim Shannon

Alison Thewliss

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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.

1448Royal British Legion Credit their Service campaign

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 9

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: 22

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.

1451Saudi Arabia child abduction

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 2

Mike Amesbury

Mary Kelly Foy

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: 7

Patricia Gibson

Allan Dorans

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

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: 5

Colum Eastwood

Conor McGinn

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

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: 6

Conor McGinn

Mike Amesbury

Ms Marie Rimmer

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Sir George Howarth

Patrick Grady

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: 3

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

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.

145950th anniversary of Meirionnydd Special Riding Group

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 4

Liz Saville Roberts

Jon Trickett

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Patrick Grady

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.

1461New all-weather lifeboat at New Quay, Ceredigion

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 7

Ben Lake

Margaret Ferrier

Jonathan Edwards

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Mary Kelly Foy

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.

1464Scottish Government paper on drug reform

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 14

Ronnie Cowan

Martyn Day

Caroline Lucas

Alison Thewliss

Chris Law

Tommy Sheppard

That this House notes the publication of the recent paper on drug reform from the Scottish Government entitled A Caring, Compassionate and Human Rights Informed Drug Policy for Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to problematic drug use; further notes that the paper calls on the UK Government to implement the decriminalisation of all drugs for personal supply, progressed as part of a wider review of drug laws; believes that these are ambitious, evidence-based proposals; agrees that this approach would allow people found in possession of drugs to be treated and supported rather than criminalised and that people in recovery would have a better chance of employment without a criminal record; and calls on Ministers to give serious consideration to this paper and to engage with the Scottish Government on its proposals.

1465Bank closures in Scotland

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 5

Chris Stephens

Mary Kelly Foy

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

That this House notes that Lloyds Banking Group, which operates the Bank of Scotland, has announced that it plans to close all branches in Aberfoyle, Aviemore, Ballater, Braemar, Crieff, Cumnock, Cupar, Dunbar, Dunkeld, Duns, Eyemouth, Falkland, Fort Augustus, Girvan, Jedburgh, Newcastleton and Ullapool; further notes that, with the exception of those in Cupar and Ullapool, these are the last banks in the community; considers that this places several communities' access to cash at risk; is aware of the importance of access to cash for services and business in communities throughout Scotland especially in rural areas where the distance between communities with and without bank branches is often as much as 30 miles; regrets the announced closures; acknowledges the limitations that the devolution settlement places on the Scottish Government's ability to act in this area; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State to work with the Scottish Government to prevent closures and protect communities' access to banking services and cash.

1466Taylor MacKenzie, Special Olympics World Games 2023 champion

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 3

Chris Law

Stewart Hosie

Dave Doogan

That this House congratulates Dundee’s Taylor MacKenzie on her success at the Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, Germany; celebrates Taylor’s gold medal success in both the 200m freestyle and 400m freestyle races, finishing with World Games records of 02:33.07 and 05:26.63 respectively; notes that Taylor was the only Scottish swimmer to compete for the Great Britain team; recognises Taylor’s supporters who have helped her reach this stage, including her parents Richard and Lisa, her club Monifieth Swimming Club and the Fife firm T&N Gilmartin, who helped sponsor Taylor’s participation in the Games; and wishes Taylor all the success in her future competitions.

1468Eggs and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 4

Helen Morgan

Tim Farron

Wendy Chamberlain

Richard Foord

That this House notes the concerning reports that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will exclude eggs as a sensitive sector; expresses concern at the concept of eggs being imported from countries who are CPTPP members, but where egg production relies heavily on battery caged eggs; acknowledges that these types of imports will undercut British egg producers who operate to higher standards of animal welfare and food safety standards under the British Lion Codes of Practice; and calls on the Government to maintain the high levels of hen welfare and food safety the British public expect by listing it as a sensitive sector within the CPTPP agreement.

1469Campbeltown Courier 150th anniversary

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 3

Brendan O'Hara

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

That this House sends its warmest congratulates to everyone at the Campbeltown Courier as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first edition of the newspaper which was printed in July 1873; sincerely thanks all of the staff and owners, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to their community by providing a weekly printed newspaper for the past century and a half; believes that the Campbeltown Courier’s longevity and continued strong readership reflect the integral role the paper has played, and continues to play, in the lives of people and communities, not just in Campbeltown but right across Kintyre and the islands as well; recognises the positive impact that good, local journalism and a quality local newspaper can have on a community; and wishes the staff and owners continued success.