Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Wednesday 19 July 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Tuesday 18 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

1485Kinship carers

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 2

Grahame Morris

Munira Wilson

That this House recognises the important role played by kinship carers in keeping children out of the care system, providing the love and stability children need by bringing up a relative or friend's child; acknowledges the work of leading national charity Kinship, which offers free support and advice to kinship families; notes the key findings in Kinship's Forced Out report, which highlights the difficulties Kinship carers have in the workplace and their lack of support; further notes The Cost of Loving: Annual Survey of Kinship Carers 2022, which sets out the extraordinary lengths that kinship carers go to in order to provide a loving and stable home in a worsening cost-of-living crisis; supports Kinship’s #ValueOurLove campaign, which calls for greater support for kinship carers, including a right to paid kinship care leave, a mandatory financial allowance, better employment advice and support and employers introducing kinship friendly employment policies for all kinship carers; and calls on the Government to recognise the vital role that kinship carers play by increasing financial support to kinship carers to allow children to stay with loving families they know.

1486Rory McIlroy, Scottish Open champion

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Ian Paisley

That this House congratulates Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy on his success in winning the Scottish Open making him the only player ever to win The Open (2014), the Irish Open (2016) and the Scottish Open (2023); acknowledges golf's significant impact on the UK economy as a driver of economic and social development; looks forward to The Open later this week at Royal Liverpool; and recognises Rory McIlroy's significant impact as an ambassador for Northern Ireland at home and abroad.

1487Free school meals for all in Scotland campaign

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House notes with concern the impact of child and family poverty in Scotland, where almost one in four children, which equates to 250,000 children, are officially recognised as living in relative poverty; welcomes the Free school meals for all in Scotland campaign led by Scotland’s largest teaching union, the Educational Institute for Scotland, the Scottish Trades Union Congress Women’s Committee and The Sunday Mail, which calls for every child and young person attending school to have guaranteed access to free school meals or the means to buy one, where school meals infrastructure does not exist; concludes that free school meals should be available both during the school day and in holiday periods; and looks forward to the Scottish Government taking appropriate and urgent action to roll out universal free school meals to help mitigate against the ongoing cost of living crisis.

148850th anniversary of 1st Llandysul Scout Group

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Ben Lake

That this House congratulates the 1st Llandysul Scout Group on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; notes that the group held its first camp in August 1973 and continues to support young people to realise their potential; acknowledges the work of the late Mr Mike Walden and Dr John Griffiths, who, alongside Mr Cyril Thomas and his wife Mrs Rene Thomas, established the scout group; further acknowledges the contribution of Marion Bryant MBE, who led the group for more than 40 years; recalls that she received her MBE for services to young people and recognises her compassion and dedication as a driving force for all involved in the group today; praises the work of the current group of young people in the local community and thanks them for their work; celebrates the fact that during the past 50 years the group has seen its young people represent Wales in the world jamboree and has supported more than 700 young people and their families; commends the group for taking to heart the words of HRH Queen Elizabeth II in striving to be a force for good in the world; and sends the group every good wish as it embarks on its anniversary events.

1489Laurel Bank care home, Lancaster, Team of the year

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Cat Smith

That this House congratulates Laurel Bank care home in Lancaster on winning team of the year for the north division in the Barchester Care Awards 2023; notes that the award celebrates excellence in quality of care; commends the staff for their hard work and dedication; thanks them for their commitment to the people of Lancaster; and wishes them the best in the national finals.

1490Best bed and breakfast in Scotland award

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House congratulates Rachel and Graham Bucknall on the success of their hotel in Lower Largo, The Crusoe, which was named the best Bed and Breakfast in Scotland in the 2023 AA B&B Awards; understands that the hotel had previously fallen into disrepair and was closed for 10 years before being taken over and reopened in 2021; notes the contribution of the tradespeople and staff who made the reopening possible; welcomes the hotel’s commitment to showcasing local food and drink; acknowledges the contribution of tourism and hospitality businesses to North East Fife and the wider economy; and recognises the many challenges such businesses have faced in recent years and continue to face.

1491Good Food Guide success in North East Fife

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Wendy Chamberlain

That this House welcomes the success of two North East Fife restaurants in the Good Food Guide list of the 100 best local restaurants in 2023; understands that the Kinneuchar Inn in Kilconquhar was placed top in Scotland and that the Dory Bistro in Pittenweem was also included in the UK-wide list; notes that the Kinneuchar Inn was praised for its locally-sourced dishes and use of produce from the East Neuk and Greek and Italian influences; congratulates all the restaurants which made the list; and recognises the quality of restaurants across North East Fife and the contribution they make to the local hospitality industry.

1492Green Flag Awards for Edinburgh

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Christine Jardine

That this House congratulates the City of Edinburgh on being awarded 38 Green Flag Awards for its parks and green spaces; notes that this represents over one-third of the awards in Scotland; further notes that Edinburgh is third in the UK for number of Green Flag Awards; further congratulates community and volunteer groups such as Friends of Corstorphine Hill for their award looking after Corstorphine Hill LNR Community Walled Garden; also notes the positive impact of green spaces and parks on biodiversity, mental health and wellbeing; and encourages everyone in Edinburgh to support their award-winning local parks this summer.

1493DD8 Music in Kirriemuir

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 1

Dave Doogan

That this House commends the achievements of the volunteers running community-based charity DD8 Music in Kirriemuir; notes their outstanding work to expand access to music and music-making to young people of all backgrounds; celebrates the success of the annual BonFest music festival, created and operated by DD8, which celebrates the life and legacy of former AC/DC frontman and son of Kirriemuir, Bon Scott; recognises the cultural and financial value of BonFest to Kirriemuir, and to Scotland as a whole, with around £1 million of economic value generated by the festival; hopes that next year’s BonFest will generate further achievements for DD8, Kirriemuir and Scotland; and wishes the DD8 team, and BonFest organisers, every success for the future.

1494Exiting the European Union (Customs)

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 8

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Sammy Wilson

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Ian Paisley

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Customs (Northern Ireland: Repayment and Remission) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 618), dated 8 June 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9 June 2023, be annulled.

1495Customs and Excise

Tabled: 18/07/23 Signatories: 8

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

Sammy Wilson

Mr Gregory Campbell

Jim Shannon

Ian Paisley

That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, praying that the Windsor Framework (Disclosure of Revenue and Customs Information) Regulations 2023 (S.I., 2023, No. 623), dated 8 June 2023, a copy of which was laid before this House on 9 June 2023, be annulled.

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.

141133rd anniversary of the murders of Constables Harry Beckett and Gary Meyer

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes the 33rd anniversary of the murder of two policemen in Belfast on 30 June 1990 highlighting that Constable Harry Beckett and Constable Gary Meyer were walking on Queen Street, when two men shot them in the back of the head; further notes the eye-witness statements of bystanders, who are now coming forward to describe the terrifying attack which underlines the soulless barbarity of the vile murderers; conveys continued deepest sympathies to the families of the policemen, who live with the grief of losing their loved one in such a harrowing manner, knowing that nobody was ever convicted of those murders; and further affirms that they will not be forgotten as communities strive to hold those accountable for the murders of good and honourable serving officers to the full force of the law.

1415Palestinians facing persecution

Tabled: 4/07/23 Signatories: 48

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: 20

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.

143130th anniversary of the Mitsubishi Electric in Livingston

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 7

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: 15

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.

1449Pay in the North East

Tabled: 10/07/23 Signatories: 23

Kate Osborne

Grahame Morris

Jon Trickett

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck

Olivia Blake

Ian Mearns

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: 8

Mike Amesbury

Mary Kelly Foy

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

Patricia Gibson

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: 12

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: 8

Colum Eastwood

Conor McGinn

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Patricia Gibson

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: 8

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: 7

Anne McLaughlin

Allan Dorans

Chris Law

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Ben Lake

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.

1458Launch of the Our Story Is One campaign

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 9

Daisy Cooper

Sir Mike Penning

Mr Alistair Carmichael

Nadia Whittome

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

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: 6

Liz Saville Roberts

Jon Trickett

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Patrick Grady

Ben Lake

Jim Shannon

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: 4

Conor McGinn

Ms Marie Rimmer

Jonathan Edwards

Richard Burgon

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: 9

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

Margaret Ferrier

Jonathan Edwards

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.

1462Welfare organisation for people in Pakistan

Tabled: 11/07/23 Signatories: 5

Mr Gregory Campbell

Sir Mike Penning

Margaret Ferrier

John McDonnell

Jim Shannon

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.

1463Mileage Allowance Payments

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 5

Ben Lake

Liz Saville Roberts

Hywel Williams

John McDonnell

Claire Hanna

That this House recognises that Mileage Allowance Payments require urgent review; is concerned about the impact on those who rely on their cars and personal vehicles for work; acknowledges that the Competition and Markets Authority has found that average supermarket fuel margins increased by six pence a litre between 2019 and 2022, which resulted in an additional cost of around £900m for customers of the four supermarket fuel retailers in 2022 alone; notes that research by Unison found that one in five frontline public service workers are required to drive to do their job and that they are paid significantly lower than average wages, especially those working in social care; highlights that those with the highest mileage can be left thousands of pounds out of pocket with many forced to use foodbanks and to take out loans to make ends meet; further recognises that the failure to raise mileage rates is particularly detrimental to those in the voluntary sector, which is making it difficult for charities to recruit new volunteer drivers; is concerned that this is excluding many people from the benefits which volunteering brings both to individuals and their communities; and calls on the Government to ensure that rates are regularly updated in order to better reflect the cost of using a vehicle for work and volunteering, and to abolish the cap which sees drivers receive a reduced rate if they drive over 10,000 miles in the tax year.

1465Bank closures in Scotland

Tabled: 12/07/23 Signatories: 13

Chris Stephens

Mary Kelly Foy

Patricia Gibson

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

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: 5

Chris Law

Stewart Hosie

Dave Doogan

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

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: 9

Helen Morgan

Tim Farron

Wendy Chamberlain

Richard Foord

Jonathan Edwards

Martyn Day

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: 5

Brendan O'Hara

Chris Law

Patrick Grady

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

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.

1470School libraries and librarians

Tabled: 13/07/23 Signatories: 11

Margaret Greenwood

Jonathan Edwards

Jon Trickett

Mary Kelly Foy

John McDonnell

Charlotte Nichols

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: 4

Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Sir William Cash

Mr David Davis

Jim Shannon

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.

1473Access to State Pension for people diagnosed with a terminal illness

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 10

Dave Doogan

John McDonnell

Marion Fellows

Claire Hanna

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Kenny MacAskill

That this House notes that those with terminal illnesses cannot currently access their State Pension until retirement age; recognises that this is the case even for individuals who have made full National Insurance contributions; acknowledges that poverty rates are disproportionately high amongst the terminally ill; commends research by Loughborough University showing that granting State Pensions to this group would almost halve the rate of poverty within this cohort while costing only £144 million per year, just 0.1% of the annual State Pension bill; and calls on the Government to allow early access to State Pensions for people diagnosed with a terminal illness.

1474Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign survey

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 8

Patricia Gibson

John McDonnell

Marion Fellows

Claire Hanna

Martin Docherty-Hughes

Deidre Brock

That this House welcomes the publication of the findings of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign survey, which documents the devastating impact of continuing unfair pension treatment of 1950s-born WASPI women; is deeply concerned about the survey's key findings, that one in four of the women affected by this pension scandal have struggled to buy food and basic essentials in the last six months, whilst a third have fallen into debt in the last six months; notes its findings that 61 per cent of those surveyed reported a range of lost employment opportunities, with 32 per cent of women being unable to secure alternative employment after attempting to re-join the workforce; recognises the mental, physical and emotional toll of additional years of work, of which these women were unaware and so for which they could not plan; calls on the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to speedily conclude its investigations; and urges the Government to respond promptly to the Ombudsman's report and make clear that it will recognise and recompense the injustices and suffering caused to WASPI women, of which one dies every thirteen minutes.

1475Gaelic Athletic Association and the All Britain Competition

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 2

Conor McGinn

Martin Docherty-Hughes

That this House congratulates everyone involved in the All Britain Competition held in London earlier this July and organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association; notes the participation of 322 teams from clubs and schools across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with 3428 young people aged from 7 to 18 taking part in the games; commends the Association’s Provincial Council of Britain for putting young people at the heart of its activities and encouraging the development of Gaelic Games; notes the recent sad death of John Gormley, the chair of the All Britain Competition and a towering figure in the Association in Britain, and sends sympathy to his family; and wishes the Association and its volunteers and members continued success in all their endeavours to promote hurling, football, Gaelic games and Irish culture.

1476Vegan food and allergens education

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 4

Christina Rees

John McDonnell

Ian Lavery

Richard Burgon

That this House notes that the Chartered Trading Standards Institute has released new data reporting that inspectors from Hampshire and Kent Scientific Services found 24 out of 61 products, or 39%, marked as vegan contained traces of egg or dairy, including 13 dairy alternatives and 48 meat alternatives; further notes that some people confuse the label vegan with the meaning free from allergens; recognises the importance of proper labelling to reduce the risk and potential danger for people with severe allergies to animal products; and therefore calls on the Government to introduce education to ensure consumers understand that vegan does not necessarily mean free from allergens.

1479The Kraken Chippy

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 2

Margaret Ferrier

John McDonnell

That this House commends the generosity of the Kraken Chippy, in Cambuslang, as they offer families a £1 kids supper deal this summer; notes that this deal was started to support families with the cost of living crisis by helping parents to treat their kids at minimal expense; praises the community spirit of owner Steven Simpson; and wishes him and his business the best in their future endeavours.

1480150th anniversary of Newtownards Chronicle Newspaper

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Stephen Farry

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes the 150th anniversary of family owned and operated Newtownards Chronicle and Bangor Spectator Newspapers; celebrates this tremendous milestone and congratulates the members of staff on maintaining the integrity and independence of this local paper with a local heart; thanks Editor Paul Symington and Deputy Editor Ismay Woods for leading the paper so well and for ensuring the impartiality of this incredible piece in the jigsaw of the Ards and North Down Community life; highlights the incredible work done by Bobby Torrens and Jonathan Coates in photographics through their immortalisation of life through images and their great work in archiving; and wishes the team and their successors every success as they continue to strive to be a relevant, open and honest local voice for the people of the Ards and North Down area over the next 150 years.

1481The two-child benefit cap

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 19

Jon Trickett

Ms Diane Abbott

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Kim Johnson

Mick Whitley

John McDonnell

That this House strongly opposes the continuation of the cruel and unnecessary two child limit for benefits, introduced by the Government in 2017; notes that recent research shows that one in 10 children live in households affected by the two-child limit, that is 1.5 million children; highlights the University of York and Nuffield Trust report which states that the two child limit along with the benefit cap have contributed to the rising levels of child poverty and that they are poverty-producing policies; strongly advocates scrapping the two child limit, noting the House of Commons Library data that shows if the cap was removed it would lift 270,000 households out of poverty at a cost of just £1.4 billion, far less than the Government’s £5 billion claim; and finally notes that the current Government has overseen a huge increase in child poverty since 2010, with a majority of children living in poverty in households where at least one adult is in work.

1482St Kilda sheep deaths

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 3

Angus Brendan MacNeil

John McDonnell

Allan Dorans

That this House recognises that all sheep in the islands of the UK are protected animals under the respective animal welfare legislation, apart from the feral Soay and Boreray sheep on the St Kilda archipelago, for which the Scottish government have created an exception, thereby leaving them subject to high levels of mortality as a result of winter starvation, averaging a thousand animals dying each year across the three flocks; notes that society would not tolerate this level of unnecessary suffering in any more accessible location; calls on the Scottish government to reconsider this decision and to include the sheep as protected animals under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006; and urges the National Trust for Scotland, as owners and managers of St. Kilda, to implement active measures to ensure the population stability of the flocks and safeguard the wellbeing of the sheep, both individually and collectively.

1483Inch Flute Band 100th Anniversary commemoratios

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 2

Jim Shannon

Gavin Robinson

That this House commemorates the 100th Anniversary of Inch Flute Band; highlights that the musical tradition in the parish of Inch dates as far back as the late 1800s; notes that archived material recorded Inch Flute Band and the Maxwell Conservative Flute Band gracing the King's highway in 1902; further notes that although always known as Inch Flute Band, the original bass drum carries the name Inch Conservative Flute Band and the royal coat of arms; further highlights the rich history of the band attending its first Twelfth of July parade in 1924 in Ballygowan, when the band's uniform consisted of a Sunday best suit and obligatory cloth cap; and wishes Inch Flute Band every success as it maintains its tradition and culture in a respectful and enjoyable fashion.

1484Rory McIlroy secures Scottish Open victory

Tabled: 17/07/23 Signatories: 3

Jim Shannon

Stephen Farry

Gavin Robinson

That this House notes the latest victory by Northern Ireland and UK golfing champion Rory McIlroy, who won the Scottish Open golf tournament; further notes that he secured victory by one stroke on the final day by scoring back to back birdies; highlights that McIlroy’s first professional victory in Scotland means that he is the first player in history to have won an Open, an Irish Open and a Scottish Open; and wishes him every success as he seeks to continue his winning streak at the Open at the Royal Liverpool course on Thursday 20 July.