Commons business papers

Contents

Published: Tuesday 12 September 2023

Early Day Motions tabled on Monday 11 September 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

1587Energy prices for pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Daisy Cooper

That this House notes with alarm the findings from Ofgem’s Non-domestic market review that hospitality businesses are unable to secure competitive energy contracts, and that they are the most likely sector to be refused service by many energy suppliers; regrets that continuing inflated energy costs are a major contributory factor in pubs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses being forced to close for good; further notes with concern the resulting loss of community amenities, employment, and negative effects on the wider supply chain; calls on the government to urgently introduce statutory protections within the energy market to enable hospitality businesses to have access to an equivalent range of suppliers and rates as other non-domestic energy customers; urges Ofgem to mandate greater transparency in non-domestic billing and prices for non-domestic energy users; requests that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero takes immediate steps to end the practice of energy suppliers blacklisting entire sectors such as hospitality from their products; and further calls on the government to improve the regulation of energy brokers, by introducing a formal and binding redress scheme for non-domestic users, and requiring greater transparency on fees.

1588Rowing Gold Medallist Hannah Scott

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Gregory Campbell

That this House notes the tremendous performance by the Great Britain team at the World Rowing Championships in September 2023, including the women's quadruple sculls who won gold by 0.67 seconds, Hannah Scott from Coleraine being one of the team, following in the footsteps of other medal winning British rowing athletes from the town in recent years which have included brothers Richard and Peter Chambers and Alan Campbell, demonstrating an astonishing achievement at the highest levels of rowing success for Northern Ireland athletes.

1589Gorebridge Community Cares, Midlothian

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House notes the outstanding work by Gorebridge Community Cares to provide a high level of service to residents across the local area in Midlothian; applauds the hard work and selfless commitment of organisers Mhairi Barrett and Claire Crawford; further notes the comprehensive breadth of support available, from courses in food hygiene, support groups, educational opportunities, cooking workshops, a greenhouse to grow food and develop gardening skills, CV tutorials and computer skills training; highlights how this has become a lifeline for many people in the current cost-of-living crisis; underlines the fundamental importance of such a vital scheme delivered by an exceptional staff team with lived experience and local connections; and wishes them and all of their service users every success in their future endeavours.

1590Victoria Radio Network studio re-opening

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Neale Hanvey

That this House congratulates the Victoria Radio Network, a volunteer led and multi award winning radio station based within the Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy; notes that the station has been a bedside companion entertaining and enlightening patients, staff and hospital visitors with discussions on diverse topics since 1971; further notes the radio broadcasts seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day and provides novice broadcasters with their very first opportunity in the industry; applauds Victoria Radio Network and all involved in their endeavours; and congratulates them on their newly refurbished studios and upgraded state-of-the-art equipment supported by a grant from Fife Health Charity.

1591The Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal and Royal Air Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Helen Morgan

That this House has the utmost admiration for all those who have served in His Majesty's Armed Forces; notes that veterans who have shown outstanding dedication to their King or late Queen and country should be awarded with fitting medallic recognition; is concerned that the Ministry of Defence's medallic recognition policy outlines that only veterans who served from after 29 July 2014 are eligible to be awarded the Her Late Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee medal and Royal Air Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with clasps; understands that these medals are awarded to members of the Armed Forces who served for five continuous years during Her Late Majesty's reign; recognises that should the initiation date be set to the beginning of Her Late Majesty’s reign many more members of the Armed Forces would qualify to be awarded these medals; expresses concern that the initiation date was set as such only for administrative reasons; and calls on the Government to review the Ministry of Defence's medallic recognition policy to reflect the brave services of all veterans to their King and country.

159260th anniversary of George Best debut at Old Trafford

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes that the 14 September 2023 will mark the 60th anniversary of George Best's United debut; notes that the Northern Ireland born legend has been descried as one of the greats, having played 470 matches and scoring 179 goals during his 10 year long residency with the club; highlights the start of his journey on Belfast's Cregagh Estate, where Best's family home has been restored to its original state by the East Side Partnership; further highlights that Best would go on to be the club's top goal scorer in the League for five consecutive seasons, winning two League titles and one European Cup in 1968 and that he was named European Footballer of the Year award in 1968 after Manchester United's European Cup triumph over Benfica; and remembers his legacy and football and that the mark he left on the sport will never be forgotten.

1593Violence in Pakistan

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House is concerned that at least five churches were burned in Pakistan’s Punjab province on 16 August 2023 following allegations of blasphemy made against two members of the Christian community; is alarmed that at least 91 homes were destroyed during the violence; notes reports that hundreds of additional homes were looted; acknowledges that Pakistan’s Government has committed to protect the religious minorities and pay compensation to the victims; is greatly troubled over recent attacks on Ahmadi mosques and Hindu temples; and urges action to be taken so that the perpetrators of the recent attacks are held accountable.

1594110th anniversary of Rice's Bar

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Jim Shannon

That this House notes the 110th anniversary of Rice's Bar in Newtownards in the constituency of Strangford; further notes the opening of the bar in 1913 by Samuel Rice, four generations of his family have not only ran the bar, but have been brought up on the top floor, sharing their home with hundreds of people over the years; highlights the pub currently being ran by Mother and Daughter, Roisin and Margaret, following the death of Roisin's husband Brendan, the third generation of Rice sons and ably assisted by their wonderful family unit; further highlights the wonderful familial and community spirit held within the bar and that so many see it as a home, with the warm and comforting environment of the family; sincerely thanks the Rice's for their contribution to the local Newtownards economy; and wishes the Bar and family nothing but the best for their future in the hospitality industry.

1595UK manufactures of Lower Carbon Construction vehicles

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Mr Alistair Carmichael

This House welcomes the Government’s decision to review the lower weight limits being imposed on greener volumetric mobile concrete plants (VCMs) as a first step to reversing regulations that are devastating a great British manufacturer, threatening 15,000 skilled jobs in 137 constituencies, contributing £380 million to the UK economy; further notes that VCMs operated legally at 38.4 tonnes and above for 50 years, producing concrete with zero waste and far fewer road miles than old fashioned drum mixers, saving annually an estimated 14 million lorry-miles to UK roads, 598,000 lorry journeys, 120,000 tonnes of CO2, preventing a 20% increase in CO2, nitrogen oxide and particulates, and extra carbon costs of £7 million; further notes the 2017 report commissioned by Highways England endorsed 44 tonnes as a safe weight for 5 axle VCMs and 38.5 tonnes for VCMs on four axles; also notes that unless the Review reverses the decision to abolish 44 tonne VCMs in 2028, the sole UK VCM manufacturer in Sheffield will cease trading; further notes Denmark raised the weight limit from 32 tonnes to 38 tonnes and in Italy and Scandinavia 44 tonne VCMs are road-legal; recognises the UK concrete market is dominated by foreign-owned conglomerates running rival drum mixers at 32 tonnes; notes that the Government abolished the unrealistic 32 tonne weight limit for all-electric HGVs; further notes the Labour Opposition commitment to reverse this weight cut; and calls on Ministers to permit VCMs to run at higher weights too.

1596Sir Ian Wilmut

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Owen Thompson

That this House extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir Ian Wilmut, a titan of the scientific world, who has died at the age of 79; recognises the enormous contribution of Sir Ian who led the team behind the world famous cloned sheep Dolly; acknowledges his ground-breaking work at the influential Roslin Institute in Midlothian; emphasises the role his work continues to play in advances that have been made in the field of regenerative medicine; highlights the fact his research helped pave the way for potential stem cell treatments to tackle degenerative diseases; and wishes his colleagues at the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute continued success in ensuring his legacy drives so many innovative applications emerging from animal and human biology research.

1597University duty of care

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Tim Farron

That this House calls for higher education institutions to have a statutory duty of care for their students; deeply regrets the tragic consequences of past failures to recognise when students have experienced significant challenges to their mental health and the subsequent impacts on their family and friends; particularly regrets instances where universities have failed to inform families of students’ struggles, including acts of self harm, even when given express consent to share that information; recognises that, although students are paying for higher education institutions, they are not simply customers of their services; highlights that many students are young people with little experience of independent living, higher exposure to the challenging aspects of social media usage, and who continue to face the ongoing negative impacts of the covid-19 pandemic, cost of living crisis, and climate crisis, putting them at higher risk of experiencing mental health issues; and urges the Government to encourage higher education institutions to make student wellbeing a strategic priority.

1598Young fundraisers Caitie and Holly McCubbin

Tabled: 11/09/23 Signatories: 1

Dr Philippa Whitford

That this House congratulates sisters Caitie (age 8) and Holly (age 7) McCubbin on cycling 100 miles each during their summer holidays to raise funds for two charities which have helped their grandfathers, along with Epic Games which matched their funds; applauds Caitie for raising £904 for the British Heart Foundation which supported her papa after he had two heart attacks, and applauds Holly for raising £1,031 for Ataxia UK which supports her pappy, following his diagnosis of Spinal Cerebellar Ataxia; commends both of them for using their summer holidays as an opportunity to fundraise for these important charities; wishes them well in their future fundraising endeavours; and congratulates their parents who must be justifiably proud of both of them.

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.

1532State pension payments for women

Tabled: 4/09/23 Signatories: 13

Patricia Gibson

Jim Shannon

Jonathan Edwards

Chris Law

Ms Anum Qaisar

Douglas Chapman

That this House notes with great concern that thousands of parents, mostly mothers, who took time out of work to care of their children have been underpaid their state pension as a result of maladministration by the Department for Work and Pensions which was first identified in July 2022; acknowledges that this error relates to those who claimed home responsibilities protection which was introduced in 1978 to protect state pensions of parents or carers before the introduction of national insurance credits in 2010; is concerned that this error is believed to be the second largest source of state pension errors after the underpayments scandal that has affected around 237,000 people, overwhelmingly women, who reached state pension age before April 2016; understands that this error arose because periods of home responsibilities protection were not recorded accurately resulting in those affected having fewer national insurance contributions credited to them and that those people have received a lower state pension as a result; is disappointed to learn that the DWP annual report and accounts 2022 to 2023 has warned that it could take until late 2024 before all those affected have this error corrected; and urges the UK Government to launch a public awareness campaign to ensure that all those potentially affected are alerted about how they can check their national insurance record and claim any missing home responsibilities protection credits so that they can claim the correct level of their rightful state pension as soon as possible.

155850th anniversary of the 1973 Chilean military coup

Tabled: 4/09/23 Signatories: 29

Mick Whitley

Jon Trickett

Ian Byrne

Jeremy Corbyn

Claudia Webbe

Margaret Greenwood

That this House notes that 11 September 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Chilean coup d’état; honours the heroic sacrifices of all those who resisted the murderous dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet between 1973 and 1990 and remembers the three thousand Chileans murdered by state security forces in that time; notes that, at the direction of the dictatorship, Chile was subject to a radical neoliberal experiment that came at enormous and lasting cost to the lives and standards of living of millions of working-class Chileans; condemns the longstanding diplomatic and political support given to the Pinochet regime by successive British and American governments; commends by contrast the solidarity demonstrated by the British trade union movement and those civic society groups which assisted approximately three thousand Chilean exiles in seeking asylum in the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the coup; believes that the overthrow of the democratically-elected government of Chile offers vital lessons for the modern-day when democracy around the globe is again threatened by authoritarianism, racism, and the self-interest of global capital; and restates its commitment to championing democracy, peace, and equality, taking as its inspiration President Allende’s final broadcast to the Chilean people, in which he said history is ours and people make history, and that much sooner than later, the great avenues will again be opened through which will pass free men to construct a better society.

1562VAT and the hospitality sector

Tabled: 4/09/23 Signatories: 10

Alyn Smith

Jim Shannon

Chris Law

Douglas Chapman

Ms Anum Qaisar

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

That this House recognises the immense challenges facing the hospitality sector during the cost-of-living crisis; notes that the Government implemented a temporary cut of 5% on VAT for hospitality businesses during the pandemic; further notes that VAT is not devolved and can therefore only be set by the UK Government; adds that the UK is an outlier for having a flat rate of VAT across the whole economy unlike other European economies; notes that organisations such as the Scottish License and Trade Association, Scottish Beer and Pub Association and Scottish Hospitality Group support a cut of 5% on VAT as the most straightforward and effective policy measure to help many small and local businesses get through the current crisis; acknowledges that local hospitality businesses deliver an important social good to their communities as well as bring in vital income and jobs; and calls on the UK Government to implement a permanent cut of 5% on VAT for the hospitality sector to help hospitality businesses meet the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.

156525th anniversary of Omagh bombing

Tabled: 4/09/23 Signatories: 4

Jim Shannon

Sir Mike Penning

Paul Girvan

Stephen Farry

That this House marks the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Omagh bombing, the bomb planted by the Real IRA that killed 29 people including a pregnant woman with twins; remembers that a large car bomb exploded on a Saturday afternoon in the centre of Omagh, Co Tyrone, when the town's main street was crowded with shoppers and that more than 200 people were injured; notes that it has been described as the worst single atrocity in almost 30 years of the Troubles in Northern Ireland; highlights the independent inquiry into the bombing, which should bring some form of justice and, more importantly, closure to the family and close friends of the victims of the bombing; and further notes that neither those 29 people, 16 of whom were under the age of 25, nor the deplorable actions of the Real IRA, will ever be forgotten.

1571World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

Tabled: 5/09/23 Signatories: 14

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Sir Mike Penning

Chris Stephens

Claudia Webbe

That this House marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, held on 10 September; highlights this year's aim to focus attention on the issue, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organizations, governments and the public, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable; notes the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day 2021-2023 is creating hope through action and that whilst there has been a reduction in the number of people committing suicide over the last 10 years, the numbers are still worryingly high; further highlights how this day offers an opportunity to remind people that it's good to talk and that recovery is always possible; thanks organisations such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organisation for the key roles they play in promoting the importance of suicide prevention; and encourages those with suicidal thoughts to always speak to someone and know the necessary support is there to help people overcome difficult times.

1574Attacks on Jacqueline McKenzie

Tabled: 5/09/23 Signatories: 24

Bell Ribeiro-Addy

Jon Trickett

Chris Stephens

Claudia Webbe

Dawn Butler

Kim Johnson

That this House stands in solidarity with Jacqueline McKenzie, a partner and head of immigration and asylum law at Leigh Day law firm, who has faced unprecedented attacks from the Home Office and the Conservative Campaign Headquarters; believes that these attacks have the direct aim to undermine Jacqueline McKenzie’s professional reputation but have also jeopardised her safety and put her at direct risk of harm; is concerned that these attempts to undermine the work of Jacqueline McKenzie, and other independent lawyers, represents an erosion of values in public discourse, which now permit elected government officials to not only endorse, but also propagate threats against individuals, and in particular those who work aims to defend the rule of law; further believes these attacks are part of an attempt to divert public attention away from the Government’s flawed immigration policies; and calls on Government ministers, departments and Party officials to cease these attacks and act in a manner that is befitting to their role in public office.

1575Pulmonary fibrosis awareness month

Tabled: 5/09/23 Signatories: 15

Mohammad Yasin

Valerie Vaz

Jim Shannon

Christine Jardine

Jon Trickett

Sir Mike Penning

That this House marks Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month which takes place in September; acknowledges the importance of raising awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating and often life-threatening lung condition affecting 70,000 people across the United Kingdom; regrets that 1% of all deaths are due to pulmonary fibrosis; recognises the work of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, healthcare professionals, and researchers in raising awareness of the reality of living with pulmonary fibrosis; reaffirms the need for fast and accurate diagnosis, as well as access to treatments and pulmonary rehabilitation; understands the need for improved funding for research and support services; and calls on the Government to support initiatives that raise awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, encourage early diagnosis, and promote research into the disease.

1578Zain's Curry House, Dalry

Tabled: 6/09/23 Signatories: 4

Patricia Gibson

Chris Stephens

Allan Dorans

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Zain's Curry House in Dalry, North Ayrshire, on securing the accolade of Takeaway of the Year for the second consecutive year at the Food Awards Scotland 2023; further congratulates Zain’s Curry House on being named as Best Takeaway in South West Scotland at last year’s awards; recognises that these awards continue to build on the family-run business’ many achievements including being awarded Best Takeaway Restaurant in Ayrshire by the Asian Catering Federation in 2021; applauds the continued hard work of owner Khurum Jabbar, Head Chef Abdul Jabbar and the dedicated staff who have worked so hard to secure such acclaim and recognition and to attract a loyal customer base; commends Zain’s Curry House for its 23 years of service and many contributions to the local community, including its work with charities such as Homeless Project Scotland; and once again wishes Zain’s Curry House continued success in serving the community of Dalry and beyond.

1580Compensation for nuclear test veterans

Tabled: 6/09/23 Signatories: 26

Peter Grant

Carol Monaghan

Brendan O'Hara

Chris Stephens

Dr Philippa Whitford

Marion Fellows

That this House recognises the contribution of the nuclear test veterans, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary veterans who were present during the nuclear testing programme from 1952 to 1967; acknowledges the sacrifices made by more than 20,000 British personnel who took part in these atomic tests; notes that nuclear test veterans have suffered various health conditions as a result of exposure to high levels of ionising radiation; welcomes the decision to award commemorative service medals honouring the nuclear test veterans, whilst also questioning why it took over half a century for such medallic recognition to be granted; laments the fact that thousands of nuclear test veterans died without their sacrifice being formally acknowledged; believes that current measures do not go far enough; and calls for a package of financial compensation for nuclear test veterans and their families.

1581St Kitts and Nevis, 40th anniversary of Independence Day

Tabled: 6/09/23 Signatories: 7

Daniel Kawczynski [R]

Claudia Webbe

Fabian Hamilton

Sir Mike Penning

Andrew Rosindell

Mr Rob Roberts

That this House celebrates that Tuesday 19th September 2023 will mark the 40th anniversary of Independence of the Federation of Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis; recognises the UK’s painful history of using the Islands of St Kitts and Nevis as slave colonies; also celebrates the contributions of the Kittitians and Nevisians diaspora who now live in the UK; emphasise the shared bonds of friendship between the UK and St Kitts and Nevis through language, history, laws, and democratic traditions; and calls on the Government to deepen the political, economic and cultural ties that bind together these two great nations and Commonwealth members who share HM King Charles III as Head of State and Sovereign.

1582KY2 Club and the Fife Alcohol Support Service ADAPT substance recovery and triage service

Tabled: 7/09/23 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates the Fife Alcohol Support Service (FASS) ADAPT substance recovery and triage service on the successful opening of the KY2 Club; commends the success of similar clubs in other Fife locations that also provide a safe space for those affected by, and vulnerable to, substance misuse; recognises that the KY2 Club provides a wraparound service with access to mental health, wellbeing, financial assistance and a food provision enabling a highly vulnerable group of individuals to make positive choices about their drug use; notes the importance and value of a service delivered by a dedicated staff team with a lived experience and a local connection; and wishes them and their service users every success in the future.

1583Parilla Bueno Ayres and The Food Awards Scotland 2023

Tabled: 7/09/23 Signatories: 2

Kenny MacAskill

Jim Shannon

That this House congratulates Parilla Bueno Ayres in Musselburgh on being named Restaurant of the Year at the Food Awards Scotland 2023; understands that the Argentinian steakhouse was established in 2017 by brothers Nazim Ahmed and Ateeq Rahman, who manage the front of house and kitchen respectively; notes that the team have expanded and opened a new restaurant named Parilla Argentinian Grill in Loanhead; acknowledges that this was the ninth annual awards ceremony of the Food Awards Scotland; and wishes Nazim, Ateeq and everyone else involved the very best of luck with their futures.

1584Mr Connor Bain, graduate, PhD student and innovator

Tabled: 7/09/23 Signatories: 2

Neale Hanvey

Jim Shannon

That this house commends Mr Connor Bain, for his outstanding academic achievements from his time at Beath High School, his undergraduate ME/BEng at Heriot-Watt University to his current PhD studies; applauds his successful internships with Survivability Consulting Limited working on a project linked to the Ministry of Defence involving the analysis of survivability, strength, mechanical and integrity for the Royal Navy’s newest fleet and his award of a Medical Research Scotland summer research grant used to design novel image analysis software for use in tissue histology diagnostics; recognises that his academic prowess has regularly enabled him to advance beyond his peers most notably gaining direct access to doctoral level study which is currently funded under the prestigious Carnegie Trust PhD scholarship programme; congratulates him on being a STEM for Britain finalist, exhibiting his PhD project in the House of Commons; and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours and ambition to develop low cost, non-subjective and accurate wearable health technologies.

1585Fresh Start

Tabled: 7/09/23 Signatories: 2

Christine Jardine

Jim Shannon

That this House recognises the work of Edinburgh-based charity Fresh Start; notes they have been helping people who have experienced homelessness to establish themselves in their new homes since 1999; recognises their community work through delivering a range of services providing practical support such as starter packs and social support people need to resettle successfully; commends the staff in student accommodation across Edinburgh who provided items during their clear out periods for the charity’s starter packs this September; and wishes Fresh Start future success in their dedicated community work.

1586Industrial action by social care workers in Glasgow

Tabled: 7/09/23 Signatories: 8

Chris Stephens

Jonathan Edwards

Mary Kelly Foy

Jon Trickett

Kate Osborne

Allan Dorans

That this House thanks social care staff across Scotland and the rest of the UK who work in frontline community services to care for our most vulnerable; recognises that many social care workers, especially in the private sector, are in receipt of low pay and poor terms and conditions which do not reflect the vital services of social care workers whilst companies profit from human need; gives its full support to GMB Scotland’s members at Baillieston, Cardonald and Stobhill care homes in Glasgow in their dispute with their employer Silverline Care, now administered by the Minster Care Group, and their unprecedented strike action on 5 and 6 September, the first strike in private social care in Scotland; understands that Silverline Care and Minster Care Group have torn up the trade union recognition agreement without notice, rescinded previous pay offers and refuse to hold further pay talks; calls on the employer to recommence pay talks immediately with GMB Scotland to deliver an offer that reflects the value of social care workers and recognises their collective voice; believes that trade unions must be at the heart of social care to secure a strong collective voice for social care workers; notes the work being undertaken by the Scottish Government’s Fair Work in Social Care Workstreams, including the workstream on sectoral bargaining; welcomes the commitment from the Scottish Government to implement sectoral bargaining; and acknowledges that GMB Scotland’s dispute with Silverline Care and Minster Care Group highlights the need for sectoral bargaining.